Opioid filter, Kharal - Wood - India - 19th century

Opium filter made from a hard, dark-colored wood. The spout of the vessel through which the opium is poured is carved in the shape of a snake's head and set with a small bronze tube. The decoration of the entire vessel is typical of Rajasthán, featuring two concentric circles with a dot in the center. The snake, which appears to rise towards the opium from the base, bears the same decoration of two circles with a central dot to represent the eyes. It has a very good patina.