Chinese Opium Den Outdoor Advertising Hoarding or Sign

This 19th century outdoor advertising board or hoarding is for an opium den.

Carved from a single piece of hardwood, on each side it says in traditional Chinese the shop’s name – 李泰恆 Li Tai Heng.

Then it says 煙房 yan fang – literally, ‘smoke room’

And finally, 發莊 fa zhuang – literally, ‘distributor’.

The letters are carved deeply into the wood and then gilded, against a black painted background.

In 19th century China and Hong Kong, ‘smoke room’ was a euphemism for an opium den. Inside would be daybeds, raised platforms, or mats for users to relax and lay down on. These would be fitted with heavy terracotta pillows beneath which smokers could store their valuables. And of course, there would be a counter from where the drug was sold or ‘distributed’.

The top of the hoarding is fitted with the original iron suspension loop.

The hoarding or sign is in a fine, stable condition.

Above: Shop hoardings in southern China, circa 1900