Carved Tobacco & Opium Container – 19th Century

This style of pot was used for tobacco and opium. These pots were in constant use. This piece dates to the 18th century and has been beautifully constructed using roheda wood and brass. The tradition of growing and taking opium in Rajasthan has existed for centuries and to some extent it is still used today during rituals and festivals.

Opium boxes were owned by wealthy Marwari merchants and caravan traders across Rajasthan. Opium consumption in Rajasthan would have been commonplace amongst wealthier Rajasthanis and these pots would have been used in conjunction with opium kharals for grinding opium before mixing with water, and wrought iron opium retorts for straining the opium. The opium water is then drunk rather than smoked.

The original lid of this one has long since been lost and has been replaced.

References:

Similar examples can also be found in ‘Arts & Crafts of Rajasthan’ by A Nath & F Wacziarg, page 125.

From India

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