A pair of 'Koyilandi' Coconut & Brass inlaid Hookahs mounted as lamps
£1,800.00
Malabar Coast, India, circa 1900 - 1910
Malabar Coast, India, circa 1900 - 1910
Malabar Coast, India, circa 1900 - 1910
Dimensions - 55cm high
These South-Western Indian hookah or Hubble-Bubble pipes were a highly valued export to the Middle East throughout the 19th & early 20th century. The small number of highly skilled manufacturers - Mooshari - used large-scale coconuts and applied them with brass, bronze and silver to form the decorative case.
The water in the hookah is poured into the coconut shell placed within the brass exterior. The shells have the capability to absorb minute impurities, thus purifying the water.