Lot 108

19th C. Chinese Smoking Pipes, Tortoiseshell & Ivory

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 108
image_0 image_1 image_2
19th C. Chinese Smoking Pipes, Tortoiseshell & Ivory
19th C. Chinese Smoking Pipes, Tortoiseshell & Ivory
image_0 image_1 image_2

19th C. Chinese Smoking Pipes, Tortoiseshell & Ivory

Estimate: $900 - $1,350

Current Bid: $350

(1 Bid)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 6, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A collection of three antique smoking pipes with mottled tortoiseshell veneers and elephant ivory fittings, reflecting the luxury materials favored in late imperial China. Each pipe is formed from a wood or bamboo core, overlaid with thin sheets of heated and molded tortoiseshell that create a warm, variegated surface. The group is missing mouthpieces and fittings, and one is a fragmentary stem. The smaller stem section retains an ivory inhalation disc at the end. The largest pipe is the most complete, featuring a substantial receptacle bowl and an extended stem. The remaining pipe includes a large ivory mouthpiece and a decorative tortoiseshell applique surrounding the base of the ivory receptacle bowl. Size of largest: 19.3" L x 2.5" H (49 cm x 6.4 cm)

This item is made of or contains turtle (tortoise) shell & elephant ivory and is classified under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as an exempt piece. Due to federal and state regulations regarding the sale of turtle shell and ivory, this item cannot be shipped internationally or to individuals residing in the following U.S. states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Additionally, buyers are responsible for ensuring that their purchase complies with all local laws and regulations concerning ivory. We guarantee that this piece meets the criteria for an ESA antique exemption under U.S. Federal law, however, we advise buyers to consult with their local authorities to confirm their ability to legally acquire, possess, trade, or sell this item in your state of residence. Several states and countries prohibit the importation of materials from endangered species, including tortoise / turtle shell. Parts from certain animal species may require an additional license upon import into another country due to legislation relating to endangered species and environmental conservation. We advise buyers to consult with their local authorities to confirm their ability to legally acquire, possess, trade, or sell this item in your state or country of residence.

Provenance: private Rogers, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Bosio collection, Miami, Florida, USA, 1960-2000

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 200098

  • Condition: Losses and repairs, the shells have fissures and chips from age and use. Breaklines and adhesive added to areas to reattach shell. Missing mouthpiece pm the largest. The smallest piece is a fragmentary stem, missing the rest of stem and bowl, with fissures and losses to the shell, and heavy patina from use.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000