This old Indian iron opium retort (or hemp filter) was used for filtering raw opium through a cotton bag. It dates to the 19th century and would have been part of Rajasthani traditional opium consumption. The iron is delicately etched and features a small Nandi Bull incorporated into its design. The Nandi bull is a symbol of Lord Shiva. Cows are still revered and continue to wander the streets in India.These were hand-wrought by Lohar blacksmiths in Rajasthan. These stands would have filtered the opium water which would then have been drunk. 

Although opium is no longer used in the same way, these pieces still make unusual unique ornaments that come complete with a fascinating social history.

References: 

For a similar example see page 39 of Museums of India 'National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum New Delhi' by Jyotindra Jain & Aarti Aggarwala. Note that the book misidentifies this as a lamp stand. 

A similar example can be found in Unknown Masterpieces of Indian Folk & Tribal Art by S Aryan & B.N. Aryan, fig 352. 

From India

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