Featured Some kind of smoking implement?, Asian marks

This little odd piece is 7 1/2" long and made of some type of wood. maybe root or driftwood?
Is it missing something?
It has the two characters on the lip, I thought Japanese.
I'm not sure and couldn't find any other examples so I come to the experts.
Any help appreciated
Mikey

 

Cigarette holder?

 

I had thought of that, and other herbals.
Mikey

 

Is there actually a hollow tube from one end to the other?

 

@2manybooks no, the tube only goes in about 1/4"
Mikey

 

Hah! So much for my 'cigarette holder' brain-fahrt.

 

Well that too blows out my thought of a "natural made pipe"!!!!!!!!!!

 

Parasol handle?

 

Looks a bit like a piece of preserved grapewood (grape vine), which I've seen used as decor... but the purpose of yours with that little lined hole is a mystery.

 

Just clarifying, it is hollowed all the way through with the metal sleeve on the end.
Mikey

 

Not opium-related imo, nevertheless, @kyratango may have an idea.

 

Hash pipe from the 60s, just guessing?

 

There is a tradition in China and Japan of using natural wood forms, such as burls, as decorative objects for contemplation as well as furnishings.

This object, currently listed on ebay, is described as a pipe. It has a similar fitting on one end -



https://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/284457317831?hash=item423afa35c7:g:OBsAAOSwZGJcZENo

But it is hard to imagine either object actually being used as a smoking pipe.

Edit - unless there was a separate bowl that attached at the metal fitting.

 

Chillum?

 

Hummm, no idea

 

I am deeply disappointed.

 

Thanks @2manybooks that's the first similar one I have seen.
Mikey

 

So it could be Chinese or Japanese.
@Ce BCA can you tell or translate?
Mikey