Base for Water Pipe (Huqqa) with Irises
Base for a Water Pipe (Huqqa) with Irises
Late 17th Century
Zinc alloy; cast, engraved, inlaid with brass (bidriware)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1984.221
The hookah base originated from the Deccan region. It was decorated with a type of metal inlay known as bidri in which the base medium, a zinc alloy, is chemically darkened to create the gold color of the floral ornaments.
The base would have been paired with a long stem attached to a mouthpiece for the purpose of smoking. The base held water that was warmed by coal, allowing it to produce steam that would then pass through a chamber containing tobacco, resulting in the user inhaling the smoky, flavored steam. This object was often used in public spaces, like coffeehouses or inside homes, and allowed people to come together and recount their day or discuss business.