Antique Chinese Bamboo Opium Pipe With Ceramic Bowl, Signed (xianqiao Workshop)

A handsome antique Chinese opium pipe dating from the 19th century. The thick cylindrical stem is made from richly coloured bamboo, the ends capped with finely polished ivory.

At the centre sits a large paktong (baitong) saddle (damper), into which the detachable ceramic opium bowl fits. The saddle is decorated with chrysanthemum, bamboo and a butterfly within a dotted border, typical of Qing dynasty decorative taste.

The opium bowl is made from dense black ceramic Yixing stoneware, and is impressed with two clear maker’s marks. The lower three-character seal, 鮮巧造 (Xianqiao Zao), identifies the Xianqiao workshop, a known Yixing ceramic studio of the Qing period. The upper seal, 陽炘 (Yang Xin), is likely the potter’s or sub-studio’s mark.

A very attractive and authentic example of a Qing opium pipe with a signed ceramic bowl and decorative paktong saddle, ideal for a specialist collection of Chinese smoking paraphernalia or as an evocative display piece.

Length: 57 cm

Good condition.

SOLD WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

It is possible to pay in installments.

On parle français.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call me 0678679716 or email tdixonfrance@yahoo.co.uk.

Frais de port inclus pour la France. Shipping included in the price for FRANCE. Price does not include international shipping. Please contact me for a shipping quote. I am happy to combine shipping costs if you buy more than one item to save you money.

Please note that I ship all items insured priority mail with tracking.

I am an Englishman living down in the beautiful rural South of France and spend my days searching the little brocantes, flea markets, and shops for treasures.

Any questions will be answered promptly.

MONEY BACK WITHOUT QUESTION IF I MISREPRESENT SOMETHING IN ANY WAY.

I want YOU to be happy at the end of the day, so buy with confidence.

I take a great deal of care packing — I have a proven track record of selling high value, fragile items that arrive safely worldwide.

Payment: Credit Cards via PayPal. Cheque or Bank transfer. Other payment methods are available, please ask.