Early 19th Century Antique Indian Silver Inlaid Bidri Huqqa Hookah Base 25.5 cm

A late 18th / early 19th century example of Indian Bidri-ware in the form of an unusually shaped Huqqa / Hookah base.

"Bidri" takes its name from the city of Bidar, in the Deccan region of India. Bidri artefacts are made from a zinc alloy which is blackened and then typically inlaid with silver. Bidri became immensely popular in the West through the international exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century.

Slight loss of silver inlay throughout and repaired base along with a hole which seems as if it was once electrified.

Could be used for its original purpose or as a candlestick holder or even transformed into a lamp.

Height: 25.5 cm - Base diameter: 12 cm - Fitting diameter: 3 cm