Huqqa Mat

ca. 1800

Not on view

Smoking a huqqa, or water pipe, was an integral part of court culture in India during the Mughal, Deccan and British periods. This custom required an array of accoutrements, including a hose, mouthpiece, and a mat, such as this one. Contemporary paintings from the 18th–19th century illustrate how the huqqa base was placed upon the round, or in this case, octagonal part of the mat as the hose rested along the rectangular extension, leading the smoker who was likely reclining on a masnad, or upholstered throne

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Huqqa Mat
Date: ca. 1800
Geography: Country of Origin India
Medium: Silk, cotton, velvet, and canvas; embroidered with metal wrapped thread, sequins, and beads
Dimensions: H. 76 3/4 in. (195 cm)
W. 29 15/16 in. (71 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
Credit Line: Purchase, Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, and The Irene Diamond Fund Gift, 2014
Object Number: 2014.140
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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