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Antique Chinese Opium Pipes

Description
The Chinese water pipes for smoking opium or tobacco could be beautifully decorated with enamel or coated with precious materials such as ray skin. How were they used? The heated opium was placed in the lidded well of the pipe, and the smoker could inhale the fumes through this pipe. Most water pipes have a holder for storing the maintenance tools, such as a bit brush, a spike and tweezers. The water pipes could easily be smoked while sitting down, unlike the regular opium pipes. Those were smoked while lying down.

Origin:	China
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	metal
Condition:	Good. Items are in good condition.
Number of Pieces:	4-5
Styles / Movements:	Chinese Export, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	540428