Wrought Iron Opium Retort From Rajasthan - 19th Century Origin - Czechoslovakia lending an otherwise practical piece

lending an otherwise practical piece a sense of refinement

Blanco was a compound used primarily by soldiers throughout the Commonwealth from 1880 onwards to clean and colour their equipment

It is not factory made fine porcelain

When the mould is entirely filled it is left to cool

Origin: Kutch

Wrought Iron Opium Retort From Rajasthan - 19th Century Origin - Czechoslovakia lending an otherwise practical pieceThis 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