Deccanese Bidriware Hookah Base

Deccanese Bidriware Hookah Base – Works of Art

A striking example of Deccanese craftsmanship, this Bidriware hookah base dates from the late seventeenth to early eighteenth century, reflecting the unique artistry of historic Indian metalwork. Unadorned yet elegant, it offers a rare glimpse into the early stages of the famed Bidriware tradition.

Origin: India, Deccan region
Date: Early 18th century
Material: Cast white brass (Bidri alloy)
Dimensions: Height 28 cm (11 inches)
Condition: Excellent patina; unembellished surface, as intended

This Deccanese Bidriware hookah base stands apart from more commonly encountered decorative pieces, revealing the minimalist beauty inherent to the Bidri technique. While Bidriware is renowned for its blackened surfaces inlaid with brilliant silver motifs, this piece eschews ornamentation altogether, resulting in a form that is both uncommon and deeply evocative of its period. Such undecorated Bidriware items are rare, as most extant examples emphasise elaborate floral or geometric inlays—pieces similar to those held in the collections of leading museums of South Asian decorative arts.

Notable Features:

• Traditional Craftsmanship:
  Demonstrates expert casting and patination, utilising an alloy of zinc and copper followed by copper sulphate treatment to create a rich, dark black finish—an iconic characteristic of authentic Bidriware.

• Distinctive Design:
  This hookah base captivates through its understated elegance, forgoing the expected white metal inlay in favour of highlighting the refined silhouette and texture of the cast metal itself. It pays homage to the origins of the Bidri process, focusing on substance over embellishment.

• Collecting Value:
  Increasingly rare on the market, especially in an undecorated state, this example offers collectors a significant opportunity to acquire a piece that elucidates the full narrative of traditional Indian Bidriware, from material composition to stylistic evolution.

• Versatile Appeal:
  Owing to its striking minimalist aesthetic, this hookah base is ideally suited for prominent display within a curated collection of works of art or historical smoking accessories. It also serves as a fascinating study object for those interested in the technical and cultural development of Indian cast metals.

Combining historical authenticity with exceptional simplicity, this Deccanese Bidriware hookah base is a compelling addition to any assortment of antique works of art, and is certain to appeal to collectors seeking a definitive and rare smoking accessory from early modern South Asia.