Huqqa Mat

Unknown

ca. 1800 · Silk, cotton, velvet, and canvas; embroidered with metal wrapped thread, sequins, and beads · Islamic Art

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

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1800

Medium

Silk, cotton, velvet, and canvas; embroidered with metal wrapped thread, sequins, and beads

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, and The Irene Diamond Fund Gift, 2014