Calligraphy Opium Pipe Bowl

c. 1900
$148 USD
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Dimensions
W: 2.0" D: 2.0" H: 2.0"
Materials
Ceramic
Brass
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CDKZ084F
Estimated Shipping
$16

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.

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PIPE DREAMS

Beginning in the 18th century, smoking opium recreationally became an entire culture unto itself, replete with beautifully crafted paraphernalia that expressed one's good taste and refinement.

Each step of the smoking process called for a different accessory, each an opportunity to impress.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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