Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Hash pipe in silver with baluster shaped bowl with cylindrical filtrand standing on a straight stem and placed on a horizontal stem. Entirely encased in silver plate that is driven with stylized leaf motifs standing around the bowl, the stem base and the stem twisted. Silver plate with rosette-shaped smoke outlet. A similar piece is found in the Amsterdam pipe Museum under APM 23.587.

Beautiful antique opium? spoon from the minority tribes in northern Laos/Vietnam. An unique collectables.

Origin and use not identified. Any information is welcomed.

Even if often called opium pipes, these pipes seems rather to be used for tobacco or cannabis resin. the present pipe can be attributed to the  Hmong hill tribe people living in the mountains of Phongsali, this tobacco pipe is elegantly fashioned from silver. The Hmong are a strongly independent mountain dwelling people found throughout Southeast Asia and southern China. They are renowned for their silversmith skills and unique aesthetic as seen in the distinct designs found in their jewelry, textiles and pipes. They were the first hill tribe group to successfully cultivate opium and have a penchant for silver.

Even if often called opium pipes, these pipes seems rather to be used for tobacco or cannabis resin. This antique pipe was probably made by the Lawa, a little known hill tribe people that live in the mountainous regions of Laos as well as other parts of Southeast Asia. The pipe is early 19^th century. It has been expertly crafted using silver, formed into an elegant shape with silver filigree. 

Even if often called opium pipes, these pipes seems rather to be used for tobacco or cannabis resin. Any further information is welcomed. The mouth piec, amber imitation, has been repaired ans and small piece is missing, otherwise in excellent condition.