A KUBACHI GOLD AND SILVER DAMASCENED STEEL HOOKAH BASE Kubachi,...
A GOLD AND SILVER DAMASCENED STEEL HOOKAH BASE
Kubachi, Dagestan, Caucasus (present day Russia), 19th century
Tall, slender and intricately knotted part of a water pipe (huqqa), with a bulbous base, tapering neck with pipe spout, and two superimposed knots, each swelling towards the centre, the surface engraved and decorated with gold wire highlighting cartouches containing Arabic inscriptions in Chinese sini script and several roundels, while the remaining decoration consists of silver overlay forming foliate motifs, six-pointed stars, fish-scale pattern and further inscribed cartouches throughout, the uppermost element is further embellished with pierced decoration, the decoration overall is reminiscent of Mamluk, Chinese, Persian and Indian styles.
52.5cm high
Metalworking in Dagestan is a centuries-old tradition, renowned above all for the celebrated craftsmanship of the mountain village of Kubachi. Located in the North Caucasus, the region developed a distinctive style of metalwork combining Persian, Arab, Russian and local influences. From the Middle Ages, Kubachi was renowned for the production of high-quality weapons and armour, later developing into a major centre of artistic metalwork and jewellery.
Literature:
Ivanov A., The Art of Kubachi, Leningrad, 1976, cat. 79 and 82.
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A GOLD AND SILVER DAMASCENED STEEL HOOKAH BASE
Kubachi, Dagestan, Caucasus (present day Russia), 19th century
Tall, slender and intricately knotted part of a water pipe (huqqa), with a bulbous base, tapering neck with pipe spout, and two superimposed knots, each swelling towards the centre, the surface engraved and decorated with gold wire highlighting cartouches containing Arabic inscriptions in Chinese sini script and several roundels, while the remaining decoration consists of silver overlay forming foliate motifs, six-pointed stars, fish-scale pattern and further inscribed cartouches throughout, the uppermost element is further embellished with pierced decoration, the decoration overall is reminiscent of Mamluk, Chinese, Persian and Indian styles.
52.5cm high
Metalworking in Dagestan is a centuries-old tradition, renowned above all for the celebrated craftsmanship of the mountain village of Kubachi. Located in the North Caucasus, the region developed a distinctive style of metalwork combining Persian, Arab, Russian and local influences. From the Middle Ages, Kubachi was renowned for the production of high-quality weapons and armour, later developing into a major centre of artistic metalwork and jewellery.
Literature:
Ivanov A., The Art of Kubachi, Leningrad, 1976, cat. 79 and 82.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
