Description & Technical information

Stock no.: A4950
This round-shaped silver box was originally used as a lid to cover a huqqa (i.e. a pipe traditionally used for smoking flavoured tobacco). It consists of a domed lid surmounted by a finial and knop. The pierced work throughout the body is delicately decorated in the jali (“latticework”) style with floral and bird motifs amidst scrolling lines; these perforations would have allowed the huqqa to function smoothly by enabling ventilation for the heat and smoke. The huqqa lid was later converted into a container with a detachable wooden concealer to the circular base.

Date:  18th century
Period:  1750-1850, 18th century
Origin:  India
Medium: silver
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm (3¹/₂ x 3¹/₂ inches)
Categories: Oriental and Asian Art, Silver