Hookah base (qalian), Iran, 1750-1800
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1750-1800
Hookah base (qalian) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number 733-1876), made in Iran, dated 1750-1800. The museum's brief description reads: Hookah base, carved coco de mer, Iran, Qajar period, 1750-1800. Museum description: Carved coco de mer hookah base, with four oval medallions, each with a different standing man dressed in European costume and hat, holding a wine cup or perched bird; smaller circular medallions of a lion attacking an antelope alternate in between each figure. Two fine horizontal bands of running floral scrolls decorate the top and bottom of the hookah, with the base carved with vertical panels. A small hole pierces the top and side of the base. The museum records it as Coco de mer; carved, measuring Height 11.5 cm. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Tobacco was introduced into Persia sometime during the late 16th century, and the earliest smoking devices were carved coconuts; by the 17th century, smoking had already spread across the Safavid Empire, facilitating a host of smoking devices, most of which respected the original shape of the coco de mer. Most portable hookah bases in both Iran and India during this period were made from coco de mer. The small size and light weight would have facilitated its transportability, allowing for the patron to easily hold the hookah in one hand. The European carved figures may reflect its owner or patron; since the early 17th century, many European voyagers travelled throughout Persia, some returning and even staying for years. The dress of the men on this hookah base suggests a dating of the second half of the 18th century.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Coco de mer; carved
- Dimensions
- Height 11.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Coco de mer; carved
- Place recorded
- Iran
Identification
- Museum object name
- Hookah base (qalian)
- Museum object number
- 733-1876
- Museum system number
- O321925
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and catalogue references against a specialist reference.