Opium Pipe and Accessories

We are featuring a Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) opium pipe with a bamboo stem, ivory mouth-piece, silver fitting known as the "saddle", and ceramic pipe-bowl. The opium pipe requires an opium lamp in order to function (which is shown on the tray)

The lamp was a highly specialized part of the pipe and was designed to channel the right amount of heat upon the pipe-bowl so the opium could vaporize and allow the smoker to inhale the intoxicating fumes.

Also shown are, the octagonal opium tray crafted from copper and designed with meticulously hand cut patterns. In the background is a small cricket cage kept as a leisurely keeping was a leisure pastime for the bourgeois.

This completes the set that belonged to a typical bourgeois during the Qing Dynasty.