Description

Extraordinary 19th century Chinese brass water pipe, a true artifact from the later Qing Dynasty era (circa 1850–1900). Crafted from solid hand-worked brass, this elegant piece once served a central role in traditional opium smoking rituals — a practice that profoundly influenced China’s cultural and political landscape during the 19th century.

The design features a distinctive long, curved stem to cool and dry the vaporized smoke, a water filtration chamber at the base for a smoother inhalation, and a platform for holding a small opium bowl and lamp. Unlike common tobacco pipes, opium pipes required delicate vaporization rather than combustion, and this engineering reflects the sophistication of the era’s practices.

Opium smoking was a ritual of social importance, especially among the Chinese aristocracy and merchant classes. Beautifully crafted pipes like this were considered essential accessories, often designed to last generations. Today, surviving examples are exceedingly rare, as many were destroyed during the major anti-opium campaigns of the early 20th century.

Key Features:

• Authentic 19th-century Chinese opium water pipe

• Solid brass construction with original aged patina

• Long cooling stem and water chamber base

• Crafted for traditional reclining opium smoking rituals

• Acquired from a private estate specializing in Qing Dynasty artifacts

• Excellent condition for age, with appropriate surface wear

• Dimensions: 12″ Heighth

This piece offers a tangible link to one of the most complex and controversial chapters in world history. It embodies a remarkable fusion of artistic craftsmanship, ritual, and global trade history — ideal for discerning collectors of Asian antiques, 19th-century artifacts, or those seeking to preserve the layered stories of human civilization.

Includes Goodson Gallery Certificate of Authenticity