Posted 10 years ago
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(1 item)
I believe this is a bone or Ivory smoking pipe, not sure if it's an option pipe or not. Has symbols carved in it as photos show and a lot of detail with this item. Is approx 10cm long. This was given to me about ten years ago and apart from that I have no information on the history of this, can anyone help me out? Thank you
Opium pipe is what I meant to write not option
Nicest item to show up here in a while, speaks of some serious age and use. I don't see indications of bone (striations) or ivory (fine grain patterns called Schreger lines), but they are sometimes difficult to see and impossible to present with photography. My guess would be ivory. These pipes are typically Chinese and this is reinforced by two characters carved on the bowl representing China. The small flower-like circles above a roughened surface represent pine needles and tree bark, widely used on Chinese carving.
Thanks very much. Any idea on a value or how old it it?