Two Indian Carved Carnelian Hookah Mouthpieces

These two hookah mouthpieces are from northern India and have been hand-carved from translucent honey-orange carnelian or agate. Both are of similar form with pear-shaped bodies elongating to a fine mouthpiece and sections to be held between the thumb and forefinger which are carved with criss-cross markings to allow for a better grip.

Both have a pleasing, sculptural form.

Several examples of hardstone hookah mouthpieces are in well-known collections such as the Kahilili Collection in London, and the al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait.

According to Moura Cavalho (2010, p. 168) hookah mouthpieces needed to be detachable for practical and hygienic purposes – the mouthpiece needed to be cleaned with the removal of tar deposits.

These two examples are in fine condition. They retain minor traces of tar demonstrating that they were indeed used.