Chinese Qing Incised Bronze and Copper Tobacco Pipe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing
This Chinese tobacco pipe from the Qing period is constructed from a combination of bronze and copper. The pipe features a distinctive hexagonal body that incorporates a hinged cover, which opens to reveal an incised inscription inside.
The exterior of the pipe is decorated with an incised design depicting scholars walking through a landscape. This imagery is framed by copper borders that showcase a scrolling flower motif. Integrated into the overall design of the pipe are two small brushes. The piece measures approximately 11 1/4 inches in height and 3 1/4 inches in width. The combination of materials and intricate decorative techniques reflects traditional craftsmanship from the Qing era, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.
The object shows light age-related wear, consistent with its historical nature. The pipe is composed of a vertical stem and a base unit that functions as a tobacco container, reflecting the typical architecture of vintage Chinese water pipes used in the past.
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
- Materials
- Bronze and copper
- Dimensions
- 11 1/4 inches height x 3 1/4 inches width
Technical characteristics
- Accessories
- 2 brushes
- Construction
- Hinged hexagonal tube
Design
- Motifs
- Scholars walking in landscapes, scrolling flowers
- Inscriptions
- Incised inscription inside the hinged cover
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.