Opium

A vast array of accoutrements for smoking opium were made in China in the late Qing dynasty to accommodate the needs of users. Wealthier users had their own elaborately decorated pieces while those of lesser means used items provided by commercial opium dens. Small ceramic pillows were produced in China for these settings and often exported to commercial opium dens in overseas Chinese communities in North America or Europe. The pillows were earthenware or more commonly ceramic, providing a cold surface to counteract the warmth from smoking opium. One end of the pillow had an open-work motif design and the other an opening to for storage of valuable items. The pillow was placed on it side against the wall with the smoker laying on the floor or smoking platform his head resting on the pillow, to keep the contents safe. Intoxicated users would claim the ceramic was as soft as clouds during their experience.