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Antique Burmese Set of Six Bronze Opium Weights Duck Hintha Hamsa
item#: 957627
price: SOLD
Rare set of six Burmese bronze opium weights, or cock weights, in a Brahmani duck type hintha (also called a hamsa) bird form with upturned tail sitting on a round base. The largest two have handles attached to the back of the head and end of the tail feathers. There is a metal support under the V-form tail. The largest weight has an old tag taped to it that reads “1513 grams” (3 lbs. 5.4 oz.). I confirmed this weight on a scale at the post office. This corresponds to the Indian unit of weight called a viss, equalling 100 ticals, which I believe was the largest sized weight made. Generally referred to as opium weights, they were used to measure all types of food and raw materials in the conduct of commercial activity. Opium weights were cast by the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The heights are 4 3/8,” 3 ½,” 2 ½,” 2 ¼,” 1 5/8,” and 1.” The base of the largest is nearly 2 ¾” diameter. 19th century to possibly late 18th. Very good overall condition with excellent old patina and genuine signs of wear to the coppery colored bronze. This set is from an old Tucson, Arizona estate. It was purchased sometime between the 1950's and 1970's. The packaged weight is about 7 lbs. 10 oz. The set can ship within the U.S. in a USPS priority insured flat rate box for $15.

Antique Burmese Set of Six Bronze Opium Weights Duck Hintha Hamsa
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