Gouda, Holland, circa 1950s–1960s
This unusual mid-century ceramic hookah was produced by Royal Goedewaagen of Gouda, Holland, a historic Dutch pottery manufacturer with longstanding roots in tobacco-pipe production.
The glazed ceramic reservoir is decorated by hand with a colorful Middle Eastern-inspired gathering scene, surrounded by desert architecture, figures in traditionalized dress, and celestial crescent-and-star motifs. The decoration reflects the Orientalist and international design themes popular within European decorative arts during the mid-20th century.
The hookah retains its woven cloth-covered hose, tapered dark mouthpiece, cork fitting, and removable porcelain tobacco bowl. Its survival as a substantially complete smoking assembly makes it especially appealing as both a decorative ceramic and an artifact of global smoking culture.
Maker: Royal Goedewaagen
Origin: Gouda, Holland
Date: Circa 1950s–1960s
Material: Glazed and hand-painted ceramic, cork, textile, and molded mouthpiece
Height: Approximately 9.5 inches with bowl attached
Decoration: Middle Eastern-inspired social or ceremonial scene
Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-consistent surface wear
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