Bidspirit auction | AN INDIAN SILVER HOOKAH WITH

AN INDIAN SILVER HOOKAH WITH ELEPHANT BASE INDIA, LATE 19TH TO EARLY 20TH CENTURY - A finely crafted Indian silver hookah, richly decorated and supported on an ornate elephant base made of high-grade silver (800–900 standard, as common in Indian silverwork), chased and engraved. The domed base is cast with scrolling floral and foliate patterns, surmounted by a detailed figure of a caparisoned elephant with raised trunk. From the elephant’s back rises the main hookah stem, elaborately chased with floral and foliate motifs, leading to a lidded cup-shaped top with similarly worked decoration. Multiple hanging chains with small silver bells and beads drape from the upper section, adding movement and charm. A long, elegantly twisted and engraved pipe extends from the elephant’s back, completing the piece. This piece exemplifies the opulent craftsmanship of late colonial-era India, blending Mughal and Hindu decorative elements. Originally functional as a smoking device, it may today serve as a purely decorative object, admired for its craftsmanship, symbolism, and exotic appeal. Weight: 55 oz., (1560 g.) Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided. Dimensions: H: 22 in., (56 cm.) Condition: The piece hookah is complete and structurally intact, including the base, elephant figure, central stem, decorative chains, and long mouthpiece.