Stamped Red Clay Opium Pipe Bowl

c. 1850
$148 USD
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Dimensions
W: 2.0" D: 2.0" H: 2.0"
Materials
Ceramic
Brass
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CDKZ084L
Estimated Shipping
$16

This unusual object is a 19th century opium pipe bowl, sculpted of dark clay to an eight-sided form with a tapered mouthpiece and fitted with a brass collar. Minimal and refined, the pipe bowl is decorated with large characters stamped into each side, originally filled with slip clay inlay of a contrasting light color. The pipe bowl and collar are beautifully aged from years of use, softened by a rich patina and marked with oxidation.

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. Small chip to top edge.

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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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