Large Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Opium Pipe Ornately Carved in Polychrome Wood

Outstanding antique, Qing dynasty 19th-century, a large Chinese opium pipe. It is composed of three sections; a huge central wood section, finely hand-carved in high relief with two Fu dogs, also known as guardian lions or Shishi (Imperial guardian lion), among vegetation waves entirely polychromed, enclosed by two massive solid brass fittings ended with a mouthpiece and a bowl.
 
CONDITION: The pipe is in good overall condition with a nice patina indicating its age and uses, with signs of age-related wear and flaking of the paint. One of the smaller Shishi's feet is slightly chipped.
 
MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length: 40 cm (15.8 inches)
The width of the central wood section: 7.7 cm (3.3 inches)