Pair of 19th Century Hand-painted Chinese Opium Pillows with Goldfish Motifs

Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the forecastle of an emigrant ship. ~ Arthur Conan Doyle 

Perhaps nothing excited the Victorian imagination more than the mysteries of the Orient, particularly the strange and addictive drug known as opium.

Among all the paraphernalia associated with this habit, opium pillows made from wood, leather or porcelain were most popular. While porcelain pillows were hard, their cooling effect was popular among opium smokers, and after a few smokes their head would feel like they were laying on clouds.

Square ceramic pillows, such as this one, were produced in China for export to Europe or even South East Asia. One end here is decorated with a beautiful pierced lattice "coin" design, while the other end has an opening where the smoker would stash their belongings and valuables. They would then push that side towards the wall, keeping their valuables safe while hazed in opium dreams.

This particular one is glazed with beautiful handpainted details of goldfish, making it a lovely display piece as well as an interesting piece of social history. The loosely hand painted details as well as what looks like trailing aquatic plants makes this particularly charming piece.

Price marked at $600 AUD for the pair or $350 each. 

Measurements 14 by 11.5 by 6 cm

Condition (left): Fair antique condition with an old repair to one corner, two small chips on one side. Wear to edges commensurate with age.

Condition (right): Fair antique condition; two small chips on sides, several stable hairline cracks as pictured. Wear to edges commensurate with age.

This listing is for the opium pillows as a pair, but if interested in purchasing individually please contact us directly.