A graduated set of four antique Burmese weights, each cast in the shape of the hintha, a mythical bird, and known to collectors as opium weights.
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 weights
For centuries, weights like these were used in Burmese markets and trading houses to weigh all kinds of goods, including precious metals, gemstones, spices and, later, opium, which is where the collectors’ name comes from. They were made in graduated sets, measured in ticals (kyat), the traditional Burmese unit of weight, about 16.4g.
The hintha (from the Sanskrit hamsa) is often identified with the Brahminy duck, and it’s a symbol of grace and purity in Burmese tradition. It’s also the emblem of the ancient Mon kingdom of Bago (Pegu). Each bird stands proudly on a stepped, bell-shaped base, with a crested head, a curved beak and engraved feathers on the wings and tail.
Weights were often lightly adjusted after casting, by scraping or adding metal, to keep them accurate, so small marks underneath are part of their history.
They make a wonderful display set on a shelf or desk, and a fascinating piece of Southeast Asian trading history.
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.
A graduated set of four antique Burmese weights, each cast in the shape of the hintha, a mythical bird, and known to collectors as opium weights.
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 weights
For centuries, weights like these were used in Burmese markets and trading houses to weigh all kinds of goods, including precious metals, gemstones, spices and, later, opium, which is where the collectors’ name comes from. They were made in graduated sets, measured in ticals (kyat), the traditional Burmese unit of weight, about 16.4g.
The hintha (from the Sanskrit hamsa) is often identified with the Brahminy duck, and it’s a symbol of grace and purity in Burmese tradition. It’s also the emblem of the ancient Mon kingdom of Bago (Pegu). Each bird stands proudly on a stepped, bell-shaped base, with a crested head, a curved beak and engraved feathers on the wings and tail.
Weights were often lightly adjusted after casting, by scraping or adding metal, to keep them accurate, so small marks underneath are part of their history.
They make a wonderful display set on a shelf or desk, and a fascinating piece of Southeast Asian trading history.
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.
Image 1 of 16
Image 2 of 16
Image 3 of 16
Image 4 of 16
Image 5 of 16
Image 6 of 16
Image 7 of 16
Image 8 of 16
Image 9 of 16
Image 10 of 16
Image 11 of 16
Image 12 of 16
Image 13 of 16
Image 14 of 16
Image 15 of 16
Image 16 of 16
