Opium Pillow? Real or Repro

Hi everyone. I missed you all. I picked up a few things since I came back from South Africa (the only thing I saw old there was elephant dung). Most things I have been able to recognize due to the members' wonderful tutelage. This latest piece has me stumped though. My first searches lead me to opium pillows (very sought after), but I have my doubts about this being an actual antique. The size doesn't seem right (2 1/2" deep X 5 3/4" tall and 5" wide) but I don't know if there was a universal size. It has a hole to store valuables and vent holes. I wasn't able to find any with cut outs shaped like a butterfly though.

It has a red stamp like one supposed antique I found. It is very dirty inside (not dust - dirt), so I think it has been used. Does anyone have an opinion? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

@Ce BCA do you have any thoughts about this piece? I would appreciate you looking.

 

In my humble opinion - probably transfer printed and relatively modern.

 

Thank you for your perspective. I was examine it closely for transfer s.

 

Beautiful find, Kiko.
I agree with transfer ware, but I do think it is older, maybe even antique.
But.... dirt doesn't mean age when it comes to Chinese items.

 

I was looking for more input on these, and I appreciate your comments. I love Asian pieces, but my house is getting too full, so I have to be selective.

 

I tend to think this was more modern and not a pillow specifically for opium. A typical opium pillow has a slanted top and made in Shi Wan in Guangdong

 

Thank you responding. It's always hard to know what to buy, when you are getting things second hand.