








Antique Cloisonné Enamel Chinese Water Pipe – Possibly Qing Dynasty – Charlotte Waterhouse Collection
This exquisite and rare antique Chinese water pipe—believed to be from the late Qing Dynasty (circa late 19th to early 20th century)—features intricate cloisonné enamel work in vibrant turquoise, cobalt, and coral tones. The body is richly decorated with symbolic motifs, florals, and objects representing abundance, intellect, and longevity, rendered in traditional Chinese aesthetic patterns.
Crafted from heavy copper alloy and silver-washed metal, the piece includes a double canister body with ornate enamel panels, a long curved pipe stem, and original accessories including the tamping tool and brush, as well as handwoven decorative tassels. One of the lidded compartments was likely used to store opium or tobacco, and the other to hold the flame or tools.
This ceremonial pipe comes from the private collection of Charlotte Waterhouse, a noted descendant of the Blackington family of Massachusetts, known for their keen eye for historic design and global decorative arts.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 9.5 in.
Base: approx. 3.5 in. wide
Materials: Copper/silver alloy, cloisonné enamel, silk tassels
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Minor patina consistent with age. Enamel remarkably intact.
A rare and decorative piece of Asian history, suitable for collectors of cloisonné, opium artifacts, Qing Dynasty furnishings, or museum-quality antique décor.
This exquisite and rare antique Chinese water pipe—believed to be from the late Qing Dynasty (circa late 19th to early 20th century)—features intricate cloisonné enamel work in vibrant turquoise, cobalt, and coral tones. The body is richly decorated with symbolic motifs, florals, and objects representing abundance, intellect, and longevity, rendered in traditional Chinese aesthetic patterns.
Crafted from heavy copper alloy and silver-washed metal, the piece includes a double canister body with ornate enamel panels, a long curved pipe stem, and original accessories including the tamping tool and brush, as well as handwoven decorative tassels. One of the lidded compartments was likely used to store opium or tobacco, and the other to hold the flame or tools.
This ceremonial pipe comes from the private collection of Charlotte Waterhouse, a noted descendant of the Blackington family of Massachusetts, known for their keen eye for historic design and global decorative arts.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 9.5 in.
Base: approx. 3.5 in. wide
Materials: Copper/silver alloy, cloisonné enamel, silk tassels
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Minor patina consistent with age. Enamel remarkably intact.
A rare and decorative piece of Asian history, suitable for collectors of cloisonné, opium artifacts, Qing Dynasty furnishings, or museum-quality antique décor.