Lot 191: A MUGHAL BRASS HOOKAH BASE, LAHORE, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

The piece features a short, waisted neck that terminates in a flared, trumpet-shaped mouth. The exterior surface is entirely decorated with elaborate chased and engraved motifs. The central body is adorned with large boteh (paisley) motifs filled with intricate foliate patterns, alternating with tall, scrolling floral sprays bearing multi-petalled flower heads. The background is textured with fine cross-hatching to provide visual contrast. The neck and foot are bordered by multiple registers of geometric and floral bands, including a chevron (herringbone) pattern around the basal rim and vertical fluting above the foot. The base is constructed from cast and worked brass and shows a circular soldered plate to the underside.

H: 18cm