Dimensions: Height 6,2 cm Wide 4 cm Depth 4,7 cm

Weight: 311,8 grams

A finely cast bronze opium weight in the form of a lion (chinthe), dated to around 1770. The mythical lion, with upright stance, pronounced mane, and stylized facial features, stands on a facetted base with incised linear bands. The weight is calibrated to 20 Tical. The surface bears a dark, lustrous patina with areas of red and green encrustation, attesting to long handling and age.

This example belongs to the transitional phase in Burmese weight production of the late 18th century, when the earlier bird-shaped (hintha) forms gradually gave way to lion-shaped designs. The chinthe lion was not only a guardian figure placed at pagoda entrances but also a symbol of royal protection and legitimacy. Its adoption as a trade weight reflects the cultural and political shifts of the Konbaung dynasty, marking a significant departure from earlier traditions.

Such transitional pieces are relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors, as they represent the evolution of Burmese commercial and artistic practice. For related examples, see Donald & Joan Gear, The Burmese Bronze Weights (1982), and comparable holdings in the British Museum.