Gilded and Enameled Water Pipe (Qalyan) with Figural Scenes

Tobacco was introduced into the Islamic world from the American colonies and, together with coffee and tea, became a popular form of social refreshment. In Iran, elaborate water pipes such as this one were made of precious materials and enameled in several colors to heighten the pleasure derived from smoking. Tobacco was placed in the bowl of the water pipe and water into the base to cool the smoke prior to inhalation.