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Chinese Calligraphy Opium Pipe Bowl, c. 1900

About the Item

This unusual object is an early 20th century opium pipe bowl, sculpted of pale red-orange clay to a squat, six-sided form and fitted with a white brass collar. The top of the pipe bowl is hand-painted with calligraphic script, now faded from years of use. Unlike a tobacco pipe, the opium pipe was designed especially to allow resinous opium to be vaporized, rather than burned. Consequently, opium pipes have a distinctive form, featuring a long pipe-stem with a mouthpiece at one end and a pipe bowl affixed by a metal saddle two-thirds down the pipe. The opposite end of the stem would remain sealed, ensuring all airflow passed through pipe-bowl.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CDKZ084F1stDibs: LU820042909542

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