Chinese carved bamboo opium pipe with jade mouthpiece
Record status
Individual type · partial
This Chinese opium pipe features a long, slender stem crafted from bamboo, which has been intricately carved along its length. The design incorporates natural bamboo knots and detailed relief carvings, giving the stem a textured, organic aesthetic.
At one end, the pipe is fitted with a smooth, light-colored jade mouthpiece, providing a contrasting finish to the rustic bamboo body. At the opposite end, the stem terminates in a metal bowl, which serves as the heating chamber for the opium. The pipe measures 27 inches in length, showcasing the elongated, elegant form characteristic of traditional opium-smoking implements used in the period. The combination of materials—bamboo, jade, and metal—reflects the refined craftsmanship often applied to such items.
The surface of the bamboo is finished with a warm, polished patina that highlights the depth of the relief work. The metal bowl is securely attached, and the overall construction emphasizes both functional utility and decorative complexity, representing a classic example of Chinese smoking equipment design.
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
- 27 inches
- Material
- bamboo, jade, metal
Technical characteristics
- Type
- opium pipe
Design
- Stem decoration
- carved bamboo
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.