A Bohemian cut-glass hookah base with Ottoman parcel-gilt silver mounts, an Amber Mouthpiece, Tongs and Coal Tray, Bohemia and Turkey, 19th century

the glass body of drop shape, cut with a long faceted neck, the glass gilt with architectural elements and floral garlands, featuring a colourful glass ornament to interior, surmounted by a parcel-gilt head and pipe decorated with strawberry bushels and hanging garlands, comprising an amber mouthpiece mounted with a gem-set ring, a set of silver stylised dragon-head tongs, stamped with undeciphered tughra and a silver coal tray mounted on cover with a green gemstone and tughra stamp to base and cover

Couleurs d'Orient, Brussels 2010.

Brussels 2010. p. 100.

In overall good condition, 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."

For a very similar hookah in cut and gilded glass stylised with a Bohemian design see Grunberg and Torn 1988, no.67.

inscriptions

The coalholder:

On the base:  The tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid II (r.1293-1327/1876-1909) with traces of another tughra on the lid.