Engraved Paktong Chinese Water Pipe - Ca 1900

This Chinese nickel paktong water pipe would have been used to smoke tobacco & opium. The engravings depict scrolls and flowers on a background of clouds. Heated opium or tobacco would be placed in the lidded well of this ornate water pipe and the fumes were inhaled through the pipe

The first Opium war was triggered by the Qing dynasty's campaign against the British merchants who sold opium to Chinese merchants. Many Chinese people were addicted to it.

These decorative pipes are a piece of social history, they are extremely decorative and look great in a group.

This pipe shows some signs of wear and use.