19th Century Indian Bidri Metal Hookah Base

Moorish incense burner from Spain, dated to 10th-12th century Spanish, 10th-12th century Measures: Burner height 20cm, width 12cm, depth 12cm Box height 23cm, width 21cm, depth 18...

Indian engraved silver table fountain by Oomersi Mawji & Sons Indian, late 19th century Measures: Height 40cm, width 23cm, depth 21cm This exceptional table fountain is by the c...

Decorated in the Persian style, the ewer of baluster form intricately decorated with various patterns and floral motifs with straw handle, the circular basin similarly decorated with...

This exceptionally beautiful and rare silver-inlaid brass tray stand dates from the medieval period, when the Mamluks ruled Egypt and Syria (1250-1517). The Mamluks originated as slave-soldiers, who served the Muslim caliphs and Ottoman Empire. With time, the Mamluks became a powerful military caste, and they managed to take control and establish themselves as rulers of certain areas within the Abbasid caliphate. The Mamluk dynasty commissioned great works of art and architecture, particularly in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, which was described in the 14th Century as ‘the centre of the universe and garden of the world’ (Ibn Khaldun, 1382). This tray stand is of biconical form, with a raised central band and flared base and rim. It is decorated with scrolling vines, overlaid with Thuluth inscriptions and roundels. On the lower body, the roundels contain floral motifs, and in the upper, stylised depictions of birds. The Thuluth inscriptions praise the patron, referring to him as ‘The High authority, the Lordly, the Possessor’, and ‘the learned’. The underside of the rim is engraved with a heraldic medallion, possibly the patron’s symbol. In the middle ages, when this piece was made, this item would have stood in a grand interior, supporting a tray full of fruit and fine food. The owner of this lavish piece which still bears traces of its original silver inlay would likely have been an Amir (prince) or some other important figure who was close to the Sultan in the Mamluk court. Mamluk tray...

18th Century Indian "Bidri Ware" Hookah Base. Bidri is a metalworking technique unique to India, which involves inlaying fine geometric and floral patterns in silver, brass, or gold ...

A fine antique 19th century Mughal Nargile or hookah pipe base made of brass or bronze, the base with engraving and etching decorations. Mameluke revival brass hookah base, elaborately and elegantly hand decorated, engraved with with a recessed repeated floral motif, leaf, foliage and arabesques. Collectible Antique Indian Islamic Mughal engraved brass hookah base, bottle. This fascinating Indo-Persian Brass Engraved Vessel Hookah Base dates from the 19th century, where it was used as a water base for a hookah, or shisha pipe. In traditional hookah smoking, the base of the pipe is normally the most decorative element of the piece. This vase has a beautiful shape and feel. It is intricately engraved with a arabesque foliage designs Mughal Northern India - 19th century. A nargile or hookah pipe's history dates back as far back as the 16th century, This charming piece has an elegant profile, will make a stunning vase, candle holder or shelf or mantel decoration...

The brass Mughal hookah features a beautifully engraved brass base adorned with intricate floral and geometric motifs. The base is a work of art, showca...

The brass Mughal hookah features a beautifully engraved brass base adorned with intricate floral and geometric motifs. The base is a work of art, showca...