Pipe - Ceramic

Traditional Chinese water pipe, made of ivory-colored glazed ceramic with figurative decorations and inscriptions in Chinese characters.

The body features a female figure seated on a lotus flower, presumably related to the iconography of Guanyin, and decorative motifs accompanied by vertical inscriptions.

The structure includes metal mounts, a curved handle with a spiral coating, and a small removable metal accessory, connected to the stopper by a chain, presumably used for cleaning the bore.

The pipe is equipped with an internal reservoir and the openings intended for the suction and combustion system.

Era and provenance

China, presumably late 19th – early 20th century. Dating indicative based on the typology and constructive characteristics, not documented.

Purchased many years ago at a market specializing in Asian antiquities.

Conditions

Good overall condition, with patina, signs of use and aging consistent with a previously used object.

The suction cannello (drain) is missing. The ceramic body, the metal mounts and the accessory with chain are present as visible in the photographs. Included a supporting stand.

There are no marks on the bottom.