Japanese carved wood opium pipe with matching container
Record status
Individual type · partial
This Japanese pipe ensemble comprises a long-stemmed opium pipe and an associated small, barrel-shaped wooden container with a matching lid, intended for carrying smoking materials and secured to the pipe by a woven cord.
The pipe's stem is uniquely constructed from nine hand-carved reddish-orange beads, each featuring intricate, stylized motifs described as calligraphic or floral. The bowl is fashioned from dark-stained wood and is highly decorative, featuring applied brass and copper plates adorned with circular and serrated sunburst patterns. A small white metal insert is set into the bowl. The terminal end of the pipe features a simple, tapered brass tube mouthpiece.
The overall construction highlights a mix of organic materials and decorative metalwork, reflecting a functional yet ornate design tradition. With dimensions of 14 x 2.5 x 1 inches, this object serves as a decorative example of historical smoking implements. The piece displays natural signs of age, including a patina on the metal, vertical cracks on the beads, and wear to the wood, consistent with traditional use.
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
- wood, brass, copper, white metal
- Dimensions
- 14 x 2.5 x 1 inches
Technical characteristics
- Stem construction
- nine carved beads
Design
- Bead motifs
- stylized calligraphic or floral
- Bowl decoration
- applied brass and copper plates with circular and serrated sunburst designs
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.