Chinese metal opium pipe with chased scrollwork
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th/20th century
This Chinese opium pipe is crafted from silver-coloured metal and measures 64 cm in length. The design features a long, straight, slender stem that terminates in a plain, tapering mouthpiece with a rounded end.
Moving towards the opposing end, the stem includes a thickened section that supports a small, angled, cup-shaped bowl. The surface of the stem, specifically in the area near the bowl, is embellished with detailed chased decoration depicting a series of scrolls, leaf forms, and arch motifs. This style of elongated metal pipe is consistent with the smoking culture that flourished in China during the Qing dynasty, where such implements were often constructed from materials including bronze, brass, or silver.
While the decoration shows signs of significant wear due to age, the piece retains its characteristic form and decorative motifs, reflecting traditional craftsmanship likely produced between the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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
- 64 cm
- Material
- metal (silver-coloured)
Design
- Ornamentation
- chased scrolls, leaf forms, and arch motifs near the bowl
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.