Help Please to Identify Side Opening Asian Vase - - - Is it called something in particular?

[dr.mia52]

Hello!

Another item that is giving me a headache insofar as how to describe it. . . . . it seems to be a side opening Asian vase or mantel vase that can accommodate a long-stemmed dried floral arrangement or reeds or a branch of some kind.   The reason it does not seem to be a traditional vase with the opening at the top is because that would make the bird scene upside down. 

Numerous google searches for "side opening vase" resulted in not a single vase that shows a side opening.   I'm at a loss.    Your thoughts, community wizards?

Thanks in advance!

xoxo

Front with opening at sideBack with opening at sideSide openingTopBottomSide opposite opening

[orphie1402 · Accepted solution]

It's an opium pillow.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/chinese-porcelain-hand-painted-opium-2094104444

[maeday76]

Epic work @orphie1402 !! 

For those too gunshy to click the link provided above, here are the images and description: 

 

I had no idea these existed, so I'm really glad I saw this!!

Thanks!

Mae

[maxine*j]

A new one on me.  And here's one from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum:

https://museum.dea.gov/museum-collection/collection-spotlight/artifact/opium-pillow

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[dr.mia52]

OMG!!! In a million years I would not have imagined its purpose.  Thank you so very much!  And it might be valuable.  To think I've been pushing it around on lower shelves where it easily could be a target for cats' rough-housing.  I definitely will list this as I've no need to stash opium nor to use a hard object as a pillow!! 🙂

[sonomabarn67]

I was just setting out some Halloween candy and came across some of my son's opium.

Oh wait, that was his vegan licorice.😃