A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE BIDRI BRASS AND SILVER-INLAID HUQQA BASE, INDIA, DECCAN, MID-17TH CENTURY
Auction Closed
October 27, 04:55 PM GMT
Estimate
24,000 - 28,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE BIDRI BRASS AND SILVER-INLAID HUQQA BASE, INDIA, DECCAN, MID-17TH CENTURY
of compressed globular form surmounted by an everted ridged neck, the body decorated with inlaid brass and silver designs of flowering plants on a dotted ground, with rows of foliate vines on the shoulder and cloud-scroll motifs to mouth
18cm. height; 14cm. diam.
Bidri ware, extensively used all over India is a feature of the Deccan, in particular the city of Bidar hence the appellation 'Bidri'. 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 and features interesting details, such as little cloud-band scrolls near its rim, similar to those on a huqqa base published in Zebrowski 1989, no.378, pl.500.