An inscribed copper-alloy water pipe engraved with the poem “Yong Tongquetai (Locking the Two Qiaos)

late Qing dynasty – early Republic period, 19th–20th century in silvery copper alloy, the cylindrical body finely engraved with a poem titled Yong Tongquetai (“Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace”), also known as Locking the Two Qiaos, inspired by the legendary tale of the Qiao sisters and the warlord Cao Cao. With long curved stem ending in a narrow mouthpiece.

清末至民国初期 铜质刻《咏铜雀台》诗铭水烟壶

h cm 37