Antique Chinese Opium Pipe (Yānqiāng) with Jade Mouthpiece, Bamboo Shaft and Gilt-Brass Repoussé Fittings · Late Qing / Early Republic · c. 1890–1920
CHF 950.00
A genuine, period-smoked Chinese opium pipe of classical horizontal form. Bamboo shaft fitted with a domed jade mouthpiece (likely nephrite) and a gilt-brass terminal. Central saddle band and saddle-mounted damper in repoussé, decorated with five-clawed dragons amid clouds, bats and auspicious characters — the character 福 (fú, fortune) clearly legible on the damper. Borders of leiwen "thunder pattern" and Greek-key (huíwén) framing the principal cartouches; traces of original silvering on the high relief.
Confirmed smoker's pipe with unmistakable evidence of period use: dark opium-tar halo (yāngāo) concentric to the airway, internal stem residue, and grip-pattern wear consistent with extended service. Uncleaned, original-surface throughout — patina, gilding and use-marks all undisturbed.
Mid-to-upper grade within the typology of surviving Chinese opium pipes: above the basic utilitarian smokers' market, below the very top tier (cloisonné, full silver, exotic hardwood). Stylistically datable to the late Qing / early Republic, c. 1890–1920.
Materials: Bamboo, jade, gilt copper-alloy, partial silvering
Length: [to be measured]
Condition: Original undisturbed patina; bamboo joints sound
Provenance: Western private collection
Documentation: PDF provenance report (S.D.H., May 2026) included
Note: Antique opium pipes circulate freely in the Swiss and EU trade. International shipping outside the EU/CH on request only — customs restrictions apply in some third countries (USA, AU, UK).
Confirmed smoker's pipe with unmistakable evidence of period use: dark opium-tar halo (yāngāo) concentric to the airway, internal stem residue, and grip-pattern wear consistent with extended service. Uncleaned, original-surface throughout — patina, gilding and use-marks all undisturbed.
Mid-to-upper grade within the typology of surviving Chinese opium pipes: above the basic utilitarian smokers' market, below the very top tier (cloisonné, full silver, exotic hardwood). Stylistically datable to the late Qing / early Republic, c. 1890–1920.
Materials: Bamboo, jade, gilt copper-alloy, partial silvering
Length: [to be measured]
Condition: Original undisturbed patina; bamboo joints sound
Provenance: Western private collection
Documentation: PDF provenance report (S.D.H., May 2026) included
Note: Antique opium pipes circulate freely in the Swiss and EU trade. International shipping outside the EU/CH on request only — customs restrictions apply in some third countries (USA, AU, UK).