Hookah Base (Qalian)
1750-1800 (made)
| Place of origin |
Tobacco was introduced into Persia sometime during the late 16th century, and the earliest smoking devices were carved coconuts; by the 17th century, smoking had already spread across the Safavid Empire, facilitating a host of smoking devices, most of which respected the original shape of the coco de mer.
Most portable hookah bases in both Iran and India during this period were made from coco de mer. The small size and light weight would have facilitated its transportability, allowing for the patron to easily hold the hookah in one hand. The European carved figures may reflect its owner or patron; since the early 17th century, many European voyagers travelled throughout Persia, some returning and even staying for years. The dress of the men on this hookah base suggests a dating of the second half of the 18th century.
Most portable hookah bases in both Iran and India during this period were made from coco de mer. The small size and light weight would have facilitated its transportability, allowing for the patron to easily hold the hookah in one hand. The European carved figures may reflect its owner or patron; since the early 17th century, many European voyagers travelled throughout Persia, some returning and even staying for years. The dress of the men on this hookah base suggests a dating of the second half of the 18th century.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Coco de mer; carved |
| Brief description | Hookah base, carved coco de mer, Iran, Qajar period, 1750-1800 |
| Physical description | Carved coco de mer hookah base, with four oval medallions, each with a different standing man dressed in European costume and hat, holding a wine cup or perched bird; smaller circular medallions of a lion attacking an antelope alternate in between each figure. Two fine horizontal bands of running floral scrolls decorate the top and bottom of the hookah, with the base carved with vertical panels. A small hole pierces the top and side of the base. |
| Dimensions |
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| Summary | Tobacco was introduced into Persia sometime during the late 16th century, and the earliest smoking devices were carved coconuts; by the 17th century, smoking had already spread across the Safavid Empire, facilitating a host of smoking devices, most of which respected the original shape of the coco de mer. Most portable hookah bases in both Iran and India during this period were made from coco de mer. The small size and light weight would have facilitated its transportability, allowing for the patron to easily hold the hookah in one hand. The European carved figures may reflect its owner or patron; since the early 17th century, many European voyagers travelled throughout Persia, some returning and even staying for years. The dress of the men on this hookah base suggests a dating of the second half of the 18th century. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 733-1876 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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