An important part of the paraphernalia connected with opium smoking was the opium box, which was used to hold the gummy substance. Opium boxes are small in size, usually round or oblong in shape. With few exceptions, they have deep pull-off covers which tend to fit quite tightly over the inner flange. They were manufactured, for the most part, from the late-18th to the early 20th century. (An oblong paktong opium box of similar style is illustrated in Figure 22 of the book “Chinese Opium Boxes: H. J. Eiley Collection” by Catherine Pagani. This book features opium boxes from the extensive personal collection donated to and displayed in the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada.)

The alloy paktong also has a fascinating history. Centuries before nickel was isolated in the west, the Chinese had produced an alloy of zinc, copper and nickel which had the lustrous sheen and color tone of silver, was appreciably harder than silver, and did not tarnish in use. Many examples of this alloy have a particularly pleasing color which is silver bright but possesses what has been termed a “soul of gold.” For additional information about paktong, see our article in ARTS OF ASIA, Nov/Dec. 1992.

CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: 1 ¾” (4.5 cm) high, 1 7/8” (4.8 cm) wide, 7/8” (2.3 cm) deep.