11th Oct, 2025 10:00

Auction 24

 
Lot 67
 
Lot 67 - DUCK SHAPED OPIUM WEIGHT BURMA EARLY 19TH CENTURY, 1 VISS

67

DUCK SHAPED OPIUM WEIGHT BURMA EARLY 19TH CENTURY, 1 VISS

Dimensions: Height 10,9 cm Wide 6,9 cm Depth 7,4 cm

Weight: 1542,3 grams

A finely cast bronze opium weight in the form of a duck (hintha), with arched neck and pronounced beak, standing on a facetted octagonal base. The surface shows a deep patina of dark green and brown, consistent with age and use. Such duck-shaped weights were widely used in Burma for weighing opium, precious metals, and other valuable goods.

The hintha bird, a stylized form of the mythical hamsa, is a symbol of purity and fidelity, and its representation on weights reflects both practical and auspicious associations. This particular piece, weighing 1 viss (approx. 1.63 kg), belongs to the later tradition of Burmese standard weights, produced under royal control to ensure uniformity in trade.

Weight: 1542.3 g (approx. 1 viss).
While the modern standardized value of 1 viss equals c. 1630 g, historical Burmese opium weights often show small variations due to local casting practices and accepted trade tolerances. Such differences of 5–10% are considered normal for authentic pieces of this period.

Unsold
Estimated at €300 - €500