| Transcript |
- 36
Pair of Opium Boxes with design of a quail
� Deux flacons � opium ornes de cailles
� Qing dynasty, late 19th century � silver, enamel � Gift of Hy Eiley, AGGV 2002.028.005 and .006
offer relief from the daily struggles of life. It was believed opium aided masculinity and provided sexual vigour. This idea can occasionally be seen in erotic designs found in hidden parts of the box. Opium smoking often conjures up dark disreputable opium dens, but it was also practised in the homes of the elite and the poor alike. Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) was also reputed to have enjoyed a smoke or two late in the day.
Opium proved to be the perfect commodity for countries like Britain to correct the trade imbalance with China, caused by the huge demand for tea in Europe. In the 19th century Britain defied Chinese drug laws, promoted the lucrative export of Indian opium and would successfully fight two wars (known as the Opium Wars of 1839-1842 and 1857- 1860) to keep China's drug market open. It was a legacy that left a myriad of tales of addiction and suffering in China, which would last
|
|---|
