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CHINESE HARDWOOD OPIUM PIPE WITH CALLIGRAPHIC INSCRIPTION
Origin: China
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, brass, lacquer, pigment
Dimensions:
Description:
Chinese opium pipe featuring a long, polished hardwood stem of reddish-brown tone, fitted at both ends with protective metal collars. At the center sits a circular, slightly domed metal bowl cover with a patinated surface, connected to an engraved brass saddle decorated with stylized floral and foliate motifs. A section of the front stem bears red-painted Chinese characters, likely denoting a workshop name, auspicious phrase, or ownership mark. A small protruding support—possibly for resting the pipe—extends from the saddle area, adding both functionality and visual balance to the design.
The combination of warm hardwood, decorative brass, and hand-painted calligraphy reflects the Qing-era appreciation for craftsmanship and refinement in smoking implements.
Cultural Context:
Opium smoking during the late Qing dynasty was not only a leisure activity but also a social ritual among China’s literati and upper classes. Pipes such as this were often personalized, incorporating inscriptions or motifs meaningful to their owners. The addition of painted calligraphy aligns with the cultural practice of merging artistry, poetry, and daily objects, elevating the pipe from a utilitarian tool to an object of aesthetic and cultural value.
Origin: China
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, brass, lacquer, pigment
Dimensions:
Description:
Chinese opium pipe featuring a long, polished hardwood stem of reddish-brown tone, fitted at both ends with protective metal collars. At the center sits a circular, slightly domed metal bowl cover with a patinated surface, connected to an engraved brass saddle decorated with stylized floral and foliate motifs. A section of the front stem bears red-painted Chinese characters, likely denoting a workshop name, auspicious phrase, or ownership mark. A small protruding support—possibly for resting the pipe—extends from the saddle area, adding both functionality and visual balance to the design.
The combination of warm hardwood, decorative brass, and hand-painted calligraphy reflects the Qing-era appreciation for craftsmanship and refinement in smoking implements.
Cultural Context:
Opium smoking during the late Qing dynasty was not only a leisure activity but also a social ritual among China’s literati and upper classes. Pipes such as this were often personalized, incorporating inscriptions or motifs meaningful to their owners. The addition of painted calligraphy aligns with the cultural practice of merging artistry, poetry, and daily objects, elevating the pipe from a utilitarian tool to an object of aesthetic and cultural value.
