Shagreen Chinese Water Pipe – Ca 1900

This old Chinese waterpipe is coated in shagreen, untanned hide from a ray or shark. The body is constructed from a nickel alloy. These decorative pipes are a piece of social history, they are extremely decorative and look great in a group.

The first Opium war was triggered by the Qing dynasty’s campaign against the British merchants who sold opium to Chinese merchants. Many Chinese people were addicted to it.

Condition:

There are some losses to the shagreen and marks and blemishes to be expected with age.