Very large Persian solid silver huqqa pipe

Very large Persian solid silver huqqa pipe
Persian, 20th Century
Height 64cm, width 51cm, depth 19cm
 
An enormous and unique decorative piece, this Persian antique solid silver water pipe, commonly referred to as a huqqa, brings its grand presence to any interior space.
 
The huqqa's foundation takes the form of a truncated conical base, featuring inward-slanting walls that echo a bell's shape, traditionally meant to house the water necessary for the smoking process. Perched upon a smoothly flattened circular footing, the base broadens elegantly and is enriched with a band featuring a repousse pattern designed after lush vegetation, which stands out against an eye-catching punched texture.
 
The hose and the furnace sections extend from globular stems which end in a tray base and are connected by a rod adorned with an enchanting small bird motif. Echoing the base's decoration, the furnace—bulbous and substantial—is encircled by a similar band of repousse foliage design. These enhance the top and bottom sections, while the top—attached by a chain—hosts a second bird motif as a finial.
 
The hose, with its gracefully tapered spout, also houses a small bird motif at the pinnacle and is completed by an ornately adorned mouthpiece.
 
The huqqa pipe's historical significance extends beyond its physical beauty, as it serves as a crucial facet of social and cultural gatherings, enabling individuals to delight in the distinct tastes of shisha and partake in convivial conversations. Meticulously detailed and crafted masterfully in solid silver, this pipe stands as a commanding homage to this enduring tradition.