Large Bamboo Opium Antique

This pipe date back to the 19th century and is a typical Opium den smoking pipe. The stem is very thick and of solid construction.

The large saddle is made of paktong, in the shape if the lotus flower and shows an inscription. The saddle has been attached to the pipe, fallowing the tradition way, with sticky opium residue hence the black areas around it.

A string is attached around the stem, this was probably placed to hold the saddle in place as the stick opium-glue was drying. The opium bowl is in a simple shape made of brownish. A metal piece has been placed at the center part of the bowl. This was done when the clay of this top area would start to fall off because of repeated heating, attesting of a strong use.

The bottom side shows two signatures belonging to the workshop or the artist who fabricated the bowl. The pipe is in good general condition. The bamboo stem shows two small cracks near the mouth piece.

The bowl seems to have been fractured but has been perfectly repaired. Length 58,5 cm (23.03) diameter 2,9 cm (1.14). The item "Large Bamboo Opium Antique" is in sale since Friday, April 26, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian/Oriental Antiques\Chinese\Other Chinese".klay" and is located in Neuchâtel. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Region of Origin: Chinese
Age: 1850-1899
Original/Repro: Antique Original