Glass Hookah Base for the Indian or Ottoman Market

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This glass hookah vase or base  almost certainly was made in Europe but for export either to the Islamic markets in India or to the Ottoman market.

It is a superior example to many on account of the fine fluting that spirals down from the top. It sits on a low ring foot, has a bulbous body and a thin neck with a protruding collar. It has been further decorated with gold and black and white enamel with split palmettes, garlands of flowers and other motifs.

It was blown within a mould and has a pontil or punt mark to the base.

There are no cracks or repairs. There is a tiny chip to the rim, consistent with use – this is where the rest of the smoking apparatus would have been attached.