Description:

The design of birds forms a monster mask (taotie), like mask designs seen on ancient bronzes. The huqqah base is a form that originated in the Middle East. It was probably made for the Chinese court as a glamorous, foreign-inspired object.In the Middle East, a�huqqah is a pipe used for smoking, with a water container (called a huqqah base) and a long flexible pipe.

Glass, mould-blown with incised decoration filled with gold
Height: 18.9 cm, diameter: 17.0 cm, neck diameter: 9.1 cm
Four-character seal-script mark of Qianlong reign (1736-1795) in a single square, inlaid with gold

Creator: Unknown

Date: Qianlong reign period (1736-1795)

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4543