A fine Bidriware Huqqa base, Deccan, India, 18th century

of zinc alloy inlaid with silver, the globular body with a tall narrow neck widening toward the mouth and encircled by a narrow ridge and flattened flange, the inlaid decoration composed of a main field of scrolling and interlacing stylised lotus stems, with bands of similar decoration around the shoulder and neck retained by registers of formal garlands of lotus flowers within chequered bands

In very good overall condition, silver inlay almost all intact, a few minor losses to the rim and neck, silver bright, some minor abrasions to the underside, otherwise good, 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."

The design of scrolling lotus stems possesses a hint of chinoiserie deriving not only from its dominant motif but also from the lively and naturalistic manner in which it is displayed. This is reminiscent of textile patterns of the period and these may have been the inspiration for this design.

This naturalism is, in part, created by the structure of the design that does not repeat itself and appears to be applied with a free hand by a highly skilled and experienced craftsman. The decoration of bidriware in the earlier period of production is rightly famous for its variety and inventiveness. A huqqa base in private collection, on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has a lattice pattern with each of its many interstices filled with a different flower design (illustrated in Zebrowski 1997, p.231, no.380). In contrast, the present example repeats the same motif but without recourse to a repeated structure and in such a way as to cover the complex shape of the body with an even density of decoration.

This huqqa base displays a diverting idiosyncrasy of bidriware on the rounded ridge at the base of the neck. This ridge is found on all huqqa bases of this shape and may have a role in manufacture. In every case, including this one, it is decorated with an inlaid chevron pattern.

The lotus garland, found on the shoulder, neck, flange and rim, becomes a commonplace in later bidriware, though usually in a more abstracted form.