This stylised blue and white elephant 'kendi' with an elegant gilt-silver repoussé mount has been transformed into a water pipe. The gilt trunk attached to the porcelain body has an open finial for the pipe. While the elongated square tower with a hinged lid and floral finial serves as the burner. The huqqa base, made in China during the Ming period (1368-1644), is an excellent example of West Asia's love for Chinese import wares and how luxury goods were often adapted to suit local tastes.
