A NORTH INDIAN BRONZE HUQQA IN THE FORM OF A MANGO, 18TH ~ 19TH CENTURY.
It is believed that these small water pipes were made to be used by ladies and of course the diminutive size meant that they were easily portable. The mango shape fits nicely in the hand. The bronze is darker in tone than my photographs suggest.
The flask (surahi) is expertly turned on a lathe from a single piece of black steatite, a soft stone related to soapstone. It is beautifully made and very light, displaying the remarkable hollowing performed by the artisan. It relates directly to bronze and brass versions from the 18th century. With this flask is a turned alabaster bowl, also elegantly made, that has a c ...click for details
TWO BRONZE/BRASS LOTA, INDIA, 19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER.
These lota are so similar in size and shape that one could be forgiven for calling them a pair. They differ only in the placement and thickness of their bands. I have owned them for more years than I care to remember and have always admired their elegant simplicity. They are cast, quite heavy; and impossible to date accurately as the design probably dates b ...click for details
