A fine Bidriware hookah base, Bidar, India, circa 18th century

of bell-shaped form with flanged collar and flaring mouth, the body covered with silver inlay and decorated with a landscape with pavilions amidst trees filled with birds, a river flowing through the landscape with fish and aquatic birds and fanciful boats, elephants fighting and tigers preying on other animals, framed by minor bands of lotus and rosette scrolls above and below, the neck with pavilions with foliage and birds