A J. & L. Lobmeyr enamelled 'Persian-style' glass hookah base vase Vienna, circa 1878

from the 'Arabian Series', by Machtyka and Schmoranz, the squat globular form of blue tint with tapering neck and collar, over a high conical foot, painted with three large medallions enclosing a stylised flower flanked by panels of gilt leaf scroll above a band of Kufic inscriptions in gilding divided by rosettes, the neck with a Kufic inscription in white enamel

Minor wear to gilding but overall in very good condition.
"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."

The present lot is based on an extremely rare 13th century Egyptian or Syrian Mamluk form, an example of which was mentioned by G.Schmoranz, Old Oriental gilt and enamelled glass vessels, p.33. See the example from the Collection of the Late Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild, sold Christie's London, 14th December 2000, lot 48 (£828,750). Gustav Schmoranz's drawings in the 1870s and '80s provided the designs for several of the Islamic styles introduced by Lobmeyr. See Walthraud Neuwirth, Orientalisierende Gläser, p.51, pl.18.

The inscription translates as "Oh ye who pass by this clear water, drink" and "The realm belongs to God, the one and eternal, the Almighty".