Chinese Opium Pipe Bowl

A hexagonal, flattened shape with mottled gray patches and a green core on top

This opium pipe bowl is from China, and dates to the mid 19th century. It is stamped pottery. Wealthy smokers bought pipes carved in wood, ivory, porcelain and jade, sometimes decorated with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, silver and rawhide, and made with textures meant to feel pleasing to the hand. A low, six-sided object with a gently domed top and small green mark at the center. The surface is speckled gray, brown and cream, with worn patches at the angular edges. It is 1.25 inches high and 3 in diameter.

Sturdy shape, speckled coat and a clear sense of its own weight.