Glass Hookah Base for the Indian or Ottoman Market

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.