Wrought Iron Opium Retort From Rajasthan - 19th Century Screens this Buddha dates from the

this Buddha dates from the 19th century

The lotus is considered sacred in Buddhism and the Hindu religion and is considered the womb of the universe

This particular piece has beautifully carved flanges with floral motifs often used by northern nomads

Beveled mirror glass has been used

Framed in old gilt frames

Wrought Iron Opium Retort From Rajasthan - 19th Century Screens this Buddha dates from theThis 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 is finished with a delicate group of iron peacocks. 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