Of characteristic form, this huqqa base stands on a wide, splayed circular foot designed for stability. The foot rises via a short, constricted pedestal to support the compressed, globular body of the vessel. The shoulder tapers inwards to a short, waisted neck that flares slightly at the rim, which would have originally held the hookah’s long wooden stem.

Projecting from the shoulder is a short, angled cylindrical spout, finished with a moulded, everted rim, which was used for filling and emptying the base with water. A simple, elegant C-scroll handle connects the base of the spout to the vessel’s shoulder.

The piece is most distinguished by its intricate surface decoration. The primary decorative field is a wide frieze encircling the bulbous body, featuring a dense and masterfully executed pattern of silver inlay. This consists of scrolling vines bearing stylised poppies and other blossoms, interspersed with delicate leaves. The design is fluid and continuous, demonstrating the skill of the artisan. A narrower decorative band of repeating geometric motifs defines the lower edge of this frieze. The splayed foot is similarly adorned with a band of less dense, but equally elegant, scrolling foliate silver inlay.

The entire composition is rendered in the traditional Bidri technique. The body is an alloy of zinc and copper, chemically treated to achieve a deep, matte, jet-black patina. This dark ground provides a dramatic and striking contrast to the lustrous, finely hammered and engraved silver inlay, making the floral motifs appear to shimmer against the dark surface.