Rosewood Altar Opium Stand with Dali Marble

Dated to the mid-19th century, this petite rosewood box captures in miniature the elaborate form of a traditional Chinese altar table. Crafted of huali rosewood, the narrow box is embellished with everted ends, scrolled spandrels, pierced carvings of peaches - emblems of longevity - and an inset panel of Dali marble.

The petite box was originally used to elevate an opium smoker's collection of pipe bowls, a removable element of the opium pipe often made of fine materials such as jade, yixing red clay, or agate. Pipe bowls would have been placed stem-down into each of four holes atop the stand and any falling debris or ash (dross) was collected in the shallow drawer below. A delightful example of Chinese craftsmanship, this pipe bowl stand lives on as a fantastic collector's item and a storied keepsake of a bygone era.

Additional Dimensions:
Drawer: 1.25"D x 7.75"W x 1.25"H