A graduated set of four Burmese bronze weights, each cast as a hintha bird standing on a domed base, known to collectors as opium weights. The set has a dark, even patina from age and handling.
Date: Circa 19th century
Geography: Myanmar (Burma)
Culture: Burmese
Material: Bronze (copper alloy)
Condition: Good for their age, with wear and patina consistent with use. See photos.
Dimensions and weights (largest to smallest)
7cm H x 4cm W x 4cm D: 20.85 ticals (342g)
4cm H x 3cm W x 3cm D: 8.66 ticals (142g)
4.3cm H x 2cm W x 2cm D: 4.81 ticals (79g)
2.7cm H x 1.7cm W x 1.7cm D: 2.01 ticals (33g)
Total weight of the set: approx. 596g
About the set
The birds in this set are cast in a simple, rounded style, with compact bodies, short beaks and small crests, and wings shown as smooth raised forms rather than engraved feathers. Each stands on a domed, stepped base decorated with incised bands. The largest weight is noticeably heavier and taller than the other three.
Weights like these were used in Burmese markets to weigh goods such as precious metals, gemstones and spices, and later opium, which gave them their collectors’ name. They were made in graduated sets and measured in ticals (kyat), the traditional Burmese unit of weight, about 16.4g. All four weights in this set work out at close to that figure.
The hintha (from the Sanskrit hamsa) is a mythical bird, often identified with the Brahminy duck, and is a symbol associated with the Mon kingdom of Bago (Pegu).
As with all our antique pieces, this set is one of a kind, and natural signs of age, wear and handling should be expected as part of its authentic character. Dimensions and weights are approximate.
For more information
Burmese-opium-weights
A graduated set of four Burmese bronze weights, each cast as a hintha bird standing on a domed base, known to collectors as opium weights. The set has a dark, even patina from age and handling.
Date: Circa 19th century
Geography: Myanmar (Burma)
Culture: Burmese
Material: Bronze (copper alloy)
Condition: Good for their age, with wear and patina consistent with use. See photos.
Dimensions and weights (largest to smallest)
7cm H x 4cm W x 4cm D: 20.85 ticals (342g)
4cm H x 3cm W x 3cm D: 8.66 ticals (142g)
4.3cm H x 2cm W x 2cm D: 4.81 ticals (79g)
2.7cm H x 1.7cm W x 1.7cm D: 2.01 ticals (33g)
Total weight of the set: approx. 596g
About the set
The birds in this set are cast in a simple, rounded style, with compact bodies, short beaks and small crests, and wings shown as smooth raised forms rather than engraved feathers. Each stands on a domed, stepped base decorated with incised bands. The largest weight is noticeably heavier and taller than the other three.
Weights like these were used in Burmese markets to weigh goods such as precious metals, gemstones and spices, and later opium, which gave them their collectors’ name. They were made in graduated sets and measured in ticals (kyat), the traditional Burmese unit of weight, about 16.4g. All four weights in this set work out at close to that figure.
The hintha (from the Sanskrit hamsa) is a mythical bird, often identified with the Brahminy duck, and is a symbol associated with the Mon kingdom of Bago (Pegu).
As with all our antique pieces, this set is one of a kind, and natural signs of age, wear and handling should be expected as part of its authentic character. Dimensions and weights are approximate.
For more information
Burmese-opium-weights
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