Antique Sterling Silver Islamic Indian Pipe Hookah Huqqa 19th Century India

This large 73.8 cm (29 inches) antique hookah is from 19th-century India and is made of solid sterling silver. It features an Islamic Indo-Persian design and consists of a base with a truncated conical shape and concave walls resting on a flattened, rounded foot.
The squat shoulder and base are beautifully adorned with bands of repousse vegetal designs set against a punched background.
The central section is divided into two baluster-shaped parts, topped with a large bulbous furnace. The furnace is decorated in a style consistent with the base, featuring bands of repoussé that display repeating vegetal designs against a punched background. The pierced top is connected by a chain and is crowned with a bird perched on top.
The curved tapering spout is applied with perching birds, leaves, and hanging decorative chains with bud drops.
Although there are no visible silver hallmarks, we tested the metal with acid and confirmed that it is sterling silver of 925 grade.
This is the largest sterling silver Indian hookah I have seen in my 50 years in the antiques business.
 
MEASUREMENTS:
HEIGHT (from the base to the end of the silver spout): 73.8 cm (29 inches)
WEIGHT: 2140 g = 2.14 kg (75.48628 ounce = 4 pounds 11.49 ounces)
 
CONDITION: The item is in very good condition for its age, with no repairs or restorations. It has minor surface scratches and small dings, which add to its character, showing a lovely patina from age and use. The flexible hose of the pipe, made from wooden rings, was originally wrapped in braided thread, but that wrapping is now worn out.
 
REFERENCES:
For information regarding hookahs in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, please see the link below:
 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_Pipe_(huqqa)_LACMA_M.90.116.jpg