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Silver Opium Container
Mughal & North India
18th-19th century
diameter: 8cm
weight: 116g
This unusual silver container comprises two thick silver concave discs joined with a small opening at the centre of one side from which a floral-form stopper
unscrews. The stopper is connected to the side of the container by means of a thick-gauge silver chain. A central floral boss on the other side ensures that
the design of both sides match. The container has a delightful, buttery patina consistent with age and the use of high-grade silver.
Containers such as these were able to be worn, suspended from the belt. Reputedly, they held opium water (opium alkaloids are soluble in water). To this end,
the container is watertight and the stopper screws in very tightly. Containers of this form are analogous to similar shaped brass and copper containers of
South India which also could be worn and which were used to carry lime for mixing with betel nut for chewing.
Opium usage was common in northern India. It was a part of normal social interaction and for some, also an addiction. The Bodleian Library at Oxford, United
Kingdom, has in its extensive collection of Mughal miniature paintings one of the dying 'Inayat Khan, dated 1618. The painting shows the courtier to the
Mughal emperor Jahangir, laying on a bed and propped up against cushions. His body is wasted and shrivelled, his face sullen and his eyes blank: the
courtier is about to die, a result of opium and alcohol addiction. The Emperor was so appalled and fascinated by 'Inayat Khan's extreme condition that he
mentions it in his memoirs.
References: Topsfield, A., Indian Paintings from Oxford Collections, University of Oxford, 1994.
Inventory no.: 823
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Silver Opium Container
Mughal & North India
18th-19th century
diameter: 8cm
weight: 116g
This unusual silver container comprises two thick silver concave discs joined with a small opening at the centre of one side from which a floral-form stopper
unscrews. The stopper is connected to the side of the container by means of a thick-gauge silver chain. A central floral boss on the other side ensures that
the design of both sides match. The container has a delightful, buttery patina consistent with age and the use of high-grade silver.
Containers such as these were able to be worn, suspended from the belt. Reputedly, they held opium water (opium alkaloids are soluble in water). To this end,
the container is watertight and the stopper screws in very tightly. Containers of this form are analogous to similar shaped brass and copper containers of
South India which also could be worn and which were used to carry lime for mixing with betel nut for chewing.
Opium usage was common in northern India. It was a part of normal social interaction and for some, also an addiction. The Bodleian Library at Oxford, United
Kingdom, has in its extensive collection of Mughal miniature paintings one of the dying 'Inayat Khan, dated 1618. The painting shows the courtier to the
Mughal emperor Jahangir, laying on a bed and propped up against cushions. His body is wasted and shrivelled, his face sullen and his eyes blank: the
courtier is about to die, a result of opium and alcohol addiction. The Emperor was so appalled and fascinated by 'Inayat Khan's extreme condition that he
mentions it in his memoirs.
References: Topsfield, A., Indian Paintings from Oxford Collections, University of Oxford, 1994.
Inventory no.: 823
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
