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CHINESE HARDWOOD OPIUM PIPE WITH INSCRIBED METAL SADDLE
Origin: China
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, metal alloy, lacquer, inlay
Dimensions:
Description:
Chinese opium pipe featuring a straight, polished hardwood stem of rich reddish-brown hue, capped at each end with fitted collars for durability. At its center sits a domed metal bowl cover, engraved with Chinese characters, mounted on a short, ridged neck that connects to an engraved metal saddle. The saddle bears a worn but elegant surface, possibly from years of careful use, and is accented with small inset stones or beads, hinting at the owner’s appreciation for refinement.
The smooth, lacquered wood contrasts with the utilitarian yet decorative metalwork, a hallmark of Qing-era smoking implements. The engraved inscription on the bowl may carry auspicious or poetic meaning, underscoring the cultural practice of pairing opium consumption with artistry and wordplay.
Cultural Context:
During the late Qing dynasty, opium smoking was a ritualized pastime that blended craftsmanship, social etiquette, and personal indulgence. Pipes of this kind were often custom-made, with fittings that reflected the wealth, status, and taste of their owner. The combination of inscribed metalwork and hardwood stem places this example within the tradition of refined domestic paraphernalia used by the literati and elite classes.
Origin: China
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, metal alloy, lacquer, inlay
Dimensions:
Description:
Chinese opium pipe featuring a straight, polished hardwood stem of rich reddish-brown hue, capped at each end with fitted collars for durability. At its center sits a domed metal bowl cover, engraved with Chinese characters, mounted on a short, ridged neck that connects to an engraved metal saddle. The saddle bears a worn but elegant surface, possibly from years of careful use, and is accented with small inset stones or beads, hinting at the owner’s appreciation for refinement.
The smooth, lacquered wood contrasts with the utilitarian yet decorative metalwork, a hallmark of Qing-era smoking implements. The engraved inscription on the bowl may carry auspicious or poetic meaning, underscoring the cultural practice of pairing opium consumption with artistry and wordplay.
Cultural Context:
During the late Qing dynasty, opium smoking was a ritualized pastime that blended craftsmanship, social etiquette, and personal indulgence. Pipes of this kind were often custom-made, with fittings that reflected the wealth, status, and taste of their owner. The combination of inscribed metalwork and hardwood stem places this example within the tradition of refined domestic paraphernalia used by the literati and elite classes.
