^Lot 22 Late Qing Dynasty Engraved Paktong Chinese Water Pipe

A 19th-century Chinese water pipe of traditional form, constructed from polished paktong, a white metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. The rectangular water reservoir serves as the base and features elaborate fine-line engravings. One side depicts the Hundred Antiques (bogu) motif, illustrating an arrangement of scholar's objects including archaic vases with flowers, books, and incense burners. The reverse side is densely decorated with various styles of Chinese calligraphy, including archaic seal script and regular script, reflecting the literati aesthetic of the period. The pipe is complete with its integrated components: a long, curved smoking stem, a separate cylindrical tobacco container with a hinged lid, and a cleaning pick. Attached to the stem via a decorative chain and a tension spring is a pair of original metal tweezers used for handling tobacco or embers. The interior of the hinged tobacco container lid is struck with a stamped workshop mark reading Hu Zhen Yuan Zhi (eƒ¡e‡æºe£½), flanked by the characters for Zi Zao (e‡ªe€ ) and Bao Yong (åŒ...ç"¨).

Dimensions: 4.75"L x 1.50"W x 10.25"H
Condition: Good