Estimation Opium pipe

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Opium pipe

Do you own any opium pipe? Are you curious to know what they are worth? Our Experts can provide an appraisal to give you an estimate of the market price, then help you to ensure the best possible price should you decide to sell.

The opium pipe

The opium pipe is an essential object in Chinese culture. In the 19th century, there were luxurious opium dens. Opium was primarily used for its medicinal virtues. There are several forms of pipes according to the regions and the times. The materials used range from bone to metal and wood (one of the most precious being the speckled bamboo from Hunan). On average, the tube of the pipe measures almost 50cm. Smoking opium is therefore quite an art and was especially enjoyed by European poets.

The opium pipe as a work of art

Some workshops stand out in the making of opium pipes. The most famous being the Eight families and The Widow. The adepts of this practice are intellectuals and members of high society. The inscriptions on the pipes were intended to provoke philosophical or artistic reflection. Benevolent powers were attributed to the sculptures made. Happiness was symbolised by a bat.

High prices today

Today, opium pipes are collector’s items that are highly prized by Asian art lovers. Prices can stretch from a few dozen euros to several thousand euros depending on the object. Some models are precious, such as this yellow gold-plated yellow gold-plated piece by Cartier decorated with flowers in cloisonné enamel, which reached 3,200 euros at a sale in Belgium in 2017. A rare ivory pipe with decorative frogs carved in relief with a bronze trim sold for 16,250 euros.

Let’s not forget that opium consumption is illegal. It often happens that the opium pipe is accompanied by other objects such as small silver boxes, choppers, ashtrays of all kinds.

How do we appraise your opium pipe?

Requesting an online appraisal of your asian object is simple. You just need to complete our appraisal form with a brief description and some photos. This information will be sent directly to one of our opium pipe experts who will provide you with a price range and sales advice.

A team of experts and auctioneers

If you own an opium pipe, use our online form for an appraisal.

You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent opinion of the market price. Should you wish to sell your painting, our specialists will also advise you on the various options available for selling at the best price.

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