Chinese bronze and hardwood opium pipe, Qing Dynasty, 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing Dynasty, 18th century
This large Chinese opium pipe, dating to the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty, is an elaborate example of period craftsmanship. Measuring 59 cm in length, the pipe features a composite construction of cast bronze and a central hardwood section.
The hardwood portion is intricately carved in high relief, depicting two confronting dragons chasing a flaming pearl. Complementing this, the cast bronze front section is detailed with aquatic creatures set within a lotus pond, while the rear section is adorned with various auspicious precious objects. The terminal features a ten-lobed bowl designed in the shape of an opium bud. The pipe is signed with the inscription "De he long zao", denoting its place and maker of origin.
The combination of fine wood carving and detailed metal casting reflects the high level of artistry associated with personal implements of the period, serving both a functional purpose for opium consumption and as a decorative display object indicating the status of its owner.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 59 cm
- Materials
- bronze, hardwood
Technical characteristics
- Bowl form
- ten-lobed opium bud
Design
- Motifs
- dragons, flaming pearl, aquatic creatures, lotus pond, precious objects
- Inscriptions
- De he long zao
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- De he long zao
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.