This bell-shaped water pipe (huqqa) base features a waisted neck and a cylindrical top with a faceted mouth. The piece was crafted in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), an area recognised for centuries for its high-quality craftsmanship and a centre of production for export. This is very much the case here, with the glass huqqa base being made for the 19th Century Persian market (modern-day Iran).
The undulating clear and light blue glass body is enhanced with gilt detailing and raised gilded beading. The panels towards the base are further decorated with portraits of the Persian Qajari Kings, Naser al-Din Shah and Mozaffar al-Din Shah, and a further panel of Arabic script.