A colonial parcel-gilt silver mounted nautilus shell Huqqa

This huqqa or waterpipe comprises three sections, a base, a stem and a fire-cup. It is made of silver and decorated in relief with trailing berry-bearing foliate vines and the dome-shaped cover topped with a lotus flower finial. The base reflects a hybrid of Indian and Victorian style.In the late 18th and 19th century, the palatial residences of Bengal's aristocracy reflected their wealth and status. Many buildings and furnishings showed a great degree of European influence in their styles. The huqqa is an example of that blending between Indian and European aesthetics.

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