Skip to main content
Lot 367

A miniature silver Hookah Base
Alwar, circa 1880

10 April 2008, 14:30 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £5,040 inc. premium

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Islamic and Indian Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

A miniature silver Hookah Base
Alwar, circa 1880

of elongated tear-drop shape with a circular aperture at the top and a shafted aperture extending from the shoulder, the two linked by a loop terminating in a stylised egret, the body incised with figures of animals, birds and insects amongst grasses and reeds in two registers, including a ram, a gazelle, a fox, a tiger, hawks, storks, moths and butterflies, with mount
13.7 cm. high

Footnotes

Although the decoration on this vessel is highly reminiscent of the earlier Mughal period, it is most probably the work of two Alwar craftsmen, Panna Lal and Nand Kishore, although the refined style suggests that it is most likely the hand of Panna Lal. Their styles were distinctive for the naturalistic detailing and slight naivety. Alwar engraved work was only popular for a few years (circa 1880-85), probably because the pieces did not withstand any form of usage. For further information on these two craftsmen and illustrations of their work, see Wynyard Wilkinson, Indian Silver 1858-1947, London, 1999, pp. 14-19.

Additional information