Gilded and Cut-Glass Hookah Base
Date19th century
PeriodOttoman
MediumCut glass, gilding
DimensionsOverall: 11 1/4 x 4 1/2 in. (28.6 x 11.4cm)
ClassificationsGlass
Object number47.19.2
DescriptionThis nargile base (one of a pair) is embellished by bands of decorative incisions, gilt floral motifs and small stars. It was created in Beykoz (a district of Istanbul) in the nineteenth century. Nargile is the Turkish word for a tobacco pipe (also called a hookah, shisha, or hubble bubble). It is used by drawing smoke through a long pipe through a base containing water. The practice of nargile smoking erupted in Istanbul during the early 1600s and became an essential element of coffee houses where men from across all social strata gathered to pass time, socialize, and engage in political discourse.On View
On viewCollections
19th century
Dated 1227 AH / 1812 CE
Dated 1227 AH (1812 CE)
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th - 20th century
One of a set/One of a set
