Khalil Mamoon has an established
practice of rolling out limited edition shishas from time to time. It has
several such limited edition hookahs, most of which are a world apart from the
mass produced shishas of other brands. Khalil Mamoon is a rare brand of hookah
that actually makes all its shishas by hand. Since all their models are
handcrafted, most hookahs end up having some distinct attribute. These traits
are treasured by connoisseurs and beginners alike. Beyond the aesthetics and
the perceived value as a collectible, the reliable utility of these shishas
along with durability makes Khalil Mamoon the most trusted manufacturer of
handmade hookahs.
Introduction to Imperial | A
Limited Edition Shisha from Khalil Mamoon
Khalil Mamoon Imperial is priced at
$149.99. This is reasonable considering the prices of some of the other limited
edition hookahs rolled out by the company, and the competitors. As Khalil
Mamoon has done several times in the past, this hookah too is appropriately
named. Imperial is truly regal. It has a majestic form, a stunning glow, and
ergonomic features that are as gloriously carved as they are effectively
accentuated. There isn’t much to drive home about the form of this piece, as
the standard features reflect what Khalil Mamoon has been doing for over a
century now. What does entice a beholder is the detailing in Imperial.
Aesthetic Attributes of the Limited
Edition Imperial from Khalil Mamoon
Let’s start from the top. The
Egyptian clay bowl is a work of art. It is not as big as in some other hookahs
made by Khalil Mamoon. The neck is also a bit longer than other models. Both of
these aspects make Imperial considerably different from other limited edition
hookahs. The color of the Egyptian bowl is bisque. Some may refer to it as a
shade of beige. The dark brown strokes on the bowl are a fascinating accent and
emerge as the highlight of this essential component of the hookah. The exact
detail of these brown strokes may vary from one handcrafted Imperial to
another, but the larger element of the design remains the same. This feature is
clearly a winner.
The tray is exquisite. It would
teleport a student of art history to bygone eras when palatial gatherings would
indulge in the extravagances of intricate craftsmanship. The gold hue of the
tray only makes it look more glitzy, but not in a loud manner. If the bowl and
the tray do not captivate you enough, then the wooden shaft or stem surely
will. The interior is stainless steel but the exterior of the stem is carved
wood. It seems like a single piece of wood has been carved to form the entire
exterior of the stem, from the tray down to the gasket. The carved wood also
sports an artwork. The wood is polished, colorful and the generous reflection
of light makes it look glamorous.
The gasket is of stainless steel
with gold plating. There is a chrome finish, so it looks stunning under
suitable lighting condition. There is the hose port and the diffuser. Only one
connection is available in this limited edition Imperial. Below the gasket is
the rather sleek and tall base. Khalil Mamoon has made all kinds of bases over
the years. They have broad and round shaped bases. They also have square or
rectangular bases. While the brand is not particularly fond of bulky bases, it
does have a penchant for stability. Imperial too has a reasonably broad bottom
but it is the height of the base that will draw your attention.
There are carvings on the glass as
well. These are transparent, but they interact with the light in a given
setting. The light cast on the base creates a colorful illusion in the
carvings. The gold plated Egyptian hose has wooden grips. All grommets are
included in the package, so are cleaning brushes and tongs. The limited edition
Imperial is among the sleeker and taller hookahs made by any of the major
manufacturers.
Expected User Experience of Khalil
Mamoon Imperial
Since all Khalil Mamoon hookahs are
handcrafted, there can be subtle and negligible irregularities. The grommets
may not be perfect. There can be some traces of woodworking and unique marks in
the metalwork. It is always better to have some extra grommets of different
sizes, and other facilitating accessories to simplify the first installation.
Set up Imperial after you have washed and cleaned the clay bowl, stem, gasket
and the glass base.