The smoking of opium was a very large subject in the past centuries both in international context and for the Chinese as a nation.
This work does not focus on the purely political role opium played, but indicates the impact on daily life and the genesis of a narcotic culture which soon evolved.
There was an almost hypnotic, irresistible attraction which the exotic fragrance of smoking this narcotic yet benevolent substance had over large parts of the Chinese population both in China and abroad. The general healing and life-enhancing properties of opium combined with the leisurely ritual using the beautiful, symbol-adorned smoking paraphernalia.
Only toward the mid-twentieth century did the smoking of opium finally fade away – under strong political pressure, but also giving way to a faster, less leisurely lifestyle seeking quick hard experience.
During almost three centuries – from smoking tobacco with opium to the final sublimely refined mode of smoking pure opium in a peculiar, Chinese-designed pipe, the transformation form medicine to anti-malarial fumes to a “heavenly fragrance” widening perceptions of existence, opium smoking captivated a huge number of people.
It initiated capital accumulation to start new ways of economic development, it aided countless artists (singers, actors, artisans) to perform their skills, it improved memory and alertness to pass examinations, it supported the poor to withstand back-breaking work.
The list of opium’s benefit is long and it touched all strata of society.
The arts and craft displayed are now rare witness to the enormous fascination. Opium smoking held over many millions of people for such a long period.
The book serves as a visual guide to the material culture of opium smoking as well as the underlying fabrics of its integration into Chinese daily life.
About the Author
K FLOW, a professional for more than thirty years in the East, developed an interest in social history early in his life. This interest led to the establishment of the Wolf K Collection on Opium Smoking. This collection includes both the paraphernalia of smoking and a large number of related items such as historical photographs, informational material and propaganda items.
Please email or call +65-67349351 for more details.
Price: S$180.00