Qalyan

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A qalyan is the base of a 'hubble-bubble' or water pipe. This ceramic example was made in Iran in the 16th or 17th century. Its body material consists of a small amount of white clay, ground quartz and a soda-lead frit. It is finely textured. Before firing, the vessel was probably covered with a fine slip of the same composition to provide a particularly smooth surface for underglaze painting.

The qalyan is decorated with large blue palmette motifs and flower sprays in blue, red and brown, alternating in interconnected cartouches.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-239-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1921.1312
• Date: 16th or 17th century
  16th or 17th century AD
  
• Material: Earthenware
  Kalian / hookah / base
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Kalian / hookah / base
  
• Subject: Ceramics
  
• Who:
• Where: Middle East, Persia
  
• Event:
• Description: Kalian or hookah base of glazed earthenware, with arabesque and flower decoration in blue, red and brown: Persia, 16th or 17th century AD
  
• References:
• Translations:
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