작품 상세

A Finely Pierced Silver Opium Smoker's Lamp (Yā Piàn Dēng) China, Qing Dynasty,late19th century Height: 17 cm (≈ 6.7 in) | Length (Base): 9 cm (≈ 3.5 in) | Diameter (Shade): 7 cm (≈ 2.8 in) | Weight: 361 g (≈ 12.7 oz) Silver, finely pierced and chased (filigree-style) This intricately crafted piece is an opium smoker’s lamp (yā piàn dēng), an essential and often highly decorative component of the equipment used in the ritualized consumption of opium. The quality of the metalwork suggests it was intended for a wealthy patron or opium den (yanguan). The lamp is comprised of three main sections, all finely worked in metal: Square Base: The lamp rests on a square pedestal base, featuring a pierced gallery. onical Shade: A tall, tapering, conical shade (deng zhao) sits atop the base. Burner Section: The detachable central section, formed as a small bulbous oil reservoir (deng zhan), sits within the base. This reservoir was designed to hold the oil (usually vegetable oil) and support the wick, providing the constant, low flame necessary to heat the opium pellet before smoking. The entire external surface—shade and base—is richly decorated using intricate piercing and openwork, giving the silver a lace-like, filigree appearance: The openwork is densely filled with swirling floral scrolls and blossoms, symbolizing abundance and beauty. The decoration is punctuated by prominent stylized Shou characters (壽), the traditional Chinese character for Longevity. The inclusion of this powerful symbol underscores the piece's status as a luxury item intended to wish the owner a long life, despite the health risks associated with the activity. Opium paraphernalia was common in China by the late 19th century. Lamps made of silver, ivory, or specialized ceramics were markers of affluence. The lamp's conical shade was practical, concentrating the heat and protecting the flame from drafts, while the intricate silver openwork provided a visually appealing effect as the light shone through the perforations. This object serves as a poignant cultural artifact from a complex period of Chinese history. (Height: 17 cm (6.7 inches) - Length (Base): 9 cm (3.5 inches) - Diameter (Shade): 7 cm (2.8 inches) - Weight: 361 g (12.7 ounces)) Qty: (1) French private collection The silver retains a slight golden patina with darker areas of oxidation typical of aged silver.Original glass.The fine openwork is largely intact, though minor flexing or repair may be present due to the fragile nature of the silver fretwork. The assembly is complete. Dimensions: Height: 17 cm (6.7 inches) - Length (Base): 9 cm (3.5 inches) - Diameter (Shade): 7 cm (2.8 inches) - Weight: 361 g (12.7 ounces)

재료

Silver