Lot 359
  • 359

A large and impressive bidri brass and silver-inlaid huqqa base, Deccan, India, mid-17th century

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • brass and silver
of compressed spherical form surmounted by a everted ridged neck, the body and spout decorated with inlaid designs of flowering plants on a ground of wavy brass lines, with rows of foliate vines on the shoulder   

Condition

In overall good condition, some minor rubbing to parts of silver and gilt-brass inlay, sections on frieze near bottom with many missing sections consistent with age and use, base with some old repairs and abrasion, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Bidri ware, extensively used all over India is a feature of the Deccan, in particular the city of Bihar hence the appellation Bidri ware. The earliest huqqa bases, as evidenced by miniatures, tend to be globular in shape, inlaid in two metals, silver and either brass or gold. This huqqa is a fine example of the early variety. 

This huqqa base is almost identical to the one in the Cincinnati Art Museum, Ohio, inv. no. 1985.164. Mark Zebrowski describes this huqqa base as sparkling "...with Deccani extravagance" (illustrated in Zebrowski 1997, pp. 231-32, no. 377). He mentions that the pattern of wavy brass lines were meant to represent the sea, as can be seen on Deccani textiles and manuscripts of the period (ibid.). Two fine trays with this design are in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, inv. no. M.89.19 and the Salar Jang Museum, Hyderabad, inv. no. 56.229.