New York working girls in an Opium Den, 1883.

Opium, Den, working, girls, New York,
Working Girls in an Opium Den. Pell Street New York 1883.

Working girls in an Opium Den 1883.

Scene In An Opium Den, In Pell Street, Frequented By Working Girls. The Archive Of The Old Print Man. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, New York. 1883.

An opium den, also opium divan, refers to a smoking room where opium was sold and smoked legally with a licence or illegally without a licence.

Starting in China, opium dens also appeared in Southeast Asia, North America and in the port cities of Western Europe in the 19th century. Depending on the clientele, the opium dens were furnished either simply or ostentatiously.

Most establishments kept extensive equipment, such as special opium pipes and opium lamps, which were necessary for smoking opium. The smoking of opium usually followed a meticulously prescribed ceremonial.

Already one hour before smoking opium, the premises of the opium divan were prepared accordingly, for example by tidying up the consumption room and providing the equipment needed for smoking. Smoking was only to be done in community and after starting to smoke opium, conversations were to be stopped. As a rule, 20 to 40 opium pipes were consumed daily. Chinese who smoked 80 to 100 opium pipes a day were respectfully called “big smokers”.

Related

Note:  The outlet of Niagara River from the American side.

Leave a Reply


Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)

From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)


FASHIONPEDIA
Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.


Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.

The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.


Literature

Couture: then and now Clothes define people. A person's clothing, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential key to his or her culture, class, personality, or even religion. The Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically.