Antique 1800's Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Opium Pillow

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An antique Chinese blue and white opium pillow, decorated with two foo lion dogs, peonies, leaves and birds.

These porcelain … Read more An antique Chinese blue and white opium pillow, decorated with two foo lion dogs, peonies, leaves and birds.

These porcelain pillows were used in opium dens in China from the 19th century onwards. They rested their head on a hard, thick pillow. An opium pillow was often made from wood, leather or porcelain. Even though porcelain is hard, after a few smokes from the opium pipe the smoker would feel like their head was laying on a cloud. The cool porcelain would have been a nice relief for the heated skin. Square ceramic opium pillows were produced in China and often exported to commercial opium dens in overseas Chinese communities in North America or Europe. One end is often decorated, the other end has an opening where the smoker could store his wallet. Once all valuable items were inside, the aperture side was pushed against the wall while the head rested on the pillow. This way valuables were stored safely while the owner was intoxicated. See less