Terracotta Small Hookah

Size in height – 5 inch
The artist collects clay before monsoon from various ponds of Ramgarh, District Alwar, Rajasthan to produce terracotta pottery. The types of clay are thoroughly mixed and then filtered through a fine sieve to remove small stones etc. Thereafter this mixture is kneaded by adding small quantities of water. To make a product needs high degree of concentration, skill, strong imagination and very special fine handmade tools. During trimming the products artist uses handmade tools and precious stone for smoothening the product. Different tools are used.
Hookah is made in different parts, after leather hard stage these parts attached and pasted this has to be done very carefully because a small mistake can spoil the whole effort and the Hookah can break. While pasting all parts a balanced moisture presence is a must otherwise if it dries up then parts will be crack. After smoothening pipe is attached and pasted.
After drying the items, they are dipped in red clay solution& rubbed by less wet cotton cloth in sun light. After this, items are put in a kiln (aahva) for firing. To get temperature in kiln, artist uses wooden powder and dung for firing. This art is quite old but is popular even today.
The area where I live is known as Mewat.I have made the size and the look of the hookah small to make it more attractive.The reason for doing this is that I wanted a new look for hookah so that it does not loose its identity.It was earlier made by wood and brass but now it is being made in Terracotta also to give it a new and traditional look at the same time .It is presented to our guest as a point of respect and gratitude. This terracotta Hookah is being made from the time of my great grandfather.

Country of Origin - India