Hardwood opium pipe with hardstone and metal fittings, late Qing dynasty to Republic period
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th to earlier 20th century
This Chinese opium pipe, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, features a substantial hardwood body and is characterized by its elaborate material composition and craftsmanship.
The pipe is fitted with a hardstone mouthpiece and matching end cap. The central section is adorned with a bronze and copper saddle, which is intricately pierced with spiral patterns and further embellished with inlays of precious stones and glass beads. The attached pipe bowl is fashioned from bronze and features a distinct patinated surface decorated with a floral motif. Measuring 56.2 cm in length and weighing 521 grams, the object reflects the aesthetic traditions of the late Qing dynasty through the Republic period.
The design demonstrates a sophisticated use of contrasting materials and detailed metalwork, typical of high-quality smoking implements from this era in China. The construction exhibits visible signs of age and use, including light scratches, small dents, and manufacturing irregularities, which are consistent with the historical usage of the artifact.
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
- 56.2 cm
- Weight
- 521 g
- Material
- hardwood, hardstone, bronze, copper, precious stones, glass beads
Technical characteristics
- Type
- opium pipe
Design
- Bowl
- bronze, patinated, floral design
- Saddle
- bronze and copper, pierced with spirals, inlaid with stones and glass beads
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.