Extremely rare silver opium smoker's travel case with floral decoration and wood.
The lid, with sliding opening and handle, includes a double compartment containing an extremely rare 4 piece travel opium pipe made of blonde horn with a silver saddle decorated with dormice in vineyards. The underside of the lid is decorated with five chinese calligraphic signs.
The box contains from left to right: a compartment with a lid for the pipe's hexagonal terracotta bowl and a drawer underneath.
In the centre: an opium lamp on a rectangular base containing two cylindrical opium boxes made of horn mounted in silver, a rare lampshade for the lamp glass, on the back eight chinese signs.
On the right a compartment containing: an oil can and a large opium box, below a small drawer (symmetrical to the other one).
The lid of the box serves as an opium tray.
Note: The decoration of this case is inspired by the Chinese literati tradition and its moral and spiritual values. The central section bears the inscriptions 讀書聲裡 (“In the sound of reading”), which evokes the calm of study, and 才助貴顯 (“Talent helps one achieve distinction”) which emphasizes the importance of knowledge and education.
At the center appears the large character 壽 (shòu) a symbol of longevity and blessing, typical of Chinese tradition.
The side panels depict cranes and lotus flowers symbolizing purity, spiritual nobility and long life.
These motifs are accompanied by poetic Chinese inscriptions: 「月亭秋水影」 and 「鶴舞荷香裡」, which evoke serenity and harmony with nature.
On the upper part the inscription 學庸書齋 refers to a Confucian study room, a place dedicated to learning, and the cultivation of the mind.
Dimensions: length of 24,5 cm x width of 9,4 cm x height of 19 cm.
Vietnam made in the 19th century.
Reference : OP 199
Price and additional photos on request.
Also discover many more opium pipes, lamps and tools in the dedicated section of our French website : « Objets de l'opium ».
