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OPIUM CABINET WITH MOTHER OF PEARL INLAY
Origin: Likely Southern China or Southeast Asia
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, mother-of-pearl inlay, metal fittings
Dimensions: 26 × 18 cm
Description:
Opium cabinet designed for the storage and preparation of opium-smoking implements. Constructed from dark hardwood, the piece features a central arched mirror framed by delicate floral and avian mother-of-pearl inlay. The decorative inlay extends across all visible surfaces, with motifs of birds in flight, flowering branches, and geometric symbols.
The cabinet comprises multiple small drawers—ideal for holding pipes, burners, scales, and other paraphernalia—alongside open compartments for larger items. The metal studs along the frame not only add decorative appeal but also reinforce the structure. The mirror would have aided in preparing opium pellets and reflecting light in dim interiors.
Cultural Context:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, opium cabinets like this were common in wealthier households and opium dens across China and Southeast Asia. They combined functionality with artistry, reflecting the social status of their owners. Mother-of-pearl inlay, labor-intensive and prized for its iridescence, was often used to elevate such utilitarian objects into works of decorative art.
Origin: Likely Southern China or Southeast Asia
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, mother-of-pearl inlay, metal fittings
Dimensions: 26 × 18 cm
Description:
Opium cabinet designed for the storage and preparation of opium-smoking implements. Constructed from dark hardwood, the piece features a central arched mirror framed by delicate floral and avian mother-of-pearl inlay. The decorative inlay extends across all visible surfaces, with motifs of birds in flight, flowering branches, and geometric symbols.
The cabinet comprises multiple small drawers—ideal for holding pipes, burners, scales, and other paraphernalia—alongside open compartments for larger items. The metal studs along the frame not only add decorative appeal but also reinforce the structure. The mirror would have aided in preparing opium pellets and reflecting light in dim interiors.
Cultural Context:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, opium cabinets like this were common in wealthier households and opium dens across China and Southeast Asia. They combined functionality with artistry, reflecting the social status of their owners. Mother-of-pearl inlay, labor-intensive and prized for its iridescence, was often used to elevate such utilitarian objects into works of decorative art.
