ANTIQUE ELABORATE CHINESE COIN SILVER OPIUM CHATELAINE LATE QUING DYNASTY

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ANTIQUE ELABORATE CHINESE COIN SILVER OPIUM CHATELAINE LATE QUING DYNASTY This absolutely superb and elaborate Antique Opium Chatelaine dates to the late Quing Dynasty (approx. approx. 1830 to 1850) and is made of coin silver. Chatelaines were worn at the waist with chains suspended from them to hold a variety of useful items. Everything needed by a seasoned opium consumer of the time is attached to the chatelaine: A spatula to prepare the opium, a hook and a pipe stem poker to keep the opium pipe clean, a shovel or spoon for the charcoal, and a knife to cut and place the opium. What makes this chatelaine so exquisite is its craftsmanship. Elaborately decorated with Chinese symbolism and executed in perfect harmony. You will seldom find a more elaborate or distinguished antique piece like this. I obtained it a while ago from the collection of Chinese artifacts brought back from China around 1890 by a former missionary. It truly is museum quality and I would not be surprised if the one or other museum curator would obtain it in no time to put it on display! The antique chatelaine measures approximately 43 cm 17" (inches) in length and 8 cm in width. The weight is 63 gram 2.2 oz (ounces). Please do not hesitate to contact me for questions or more pictures