Design for a Hookah Base

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hookahs were ubiquitous in the later Hindu courts and frequently part of the accoutrements depicted in royal portraiture. Because of their association with the nobility, such luxury objects were of quality design in high-value materials, such as silver, bidri, or painted glass. This drawing juxtaposes various floral designs of Mughal inspiration.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art