Antique Acquisitions from East Asia and More! Closed (#18948111)

Antique Cast Bronze Opium Weight - Thai Singha St

This antique cast bronze opium weight from Burma showcases the Thai Singha style, a mythological lion-like creature from Thai Buddhist mythology, frequently represented in Burmese and Thai culture. These weights were traditionally used not only to measure opium but also in daily trade, where goods were valued by weight. This particular piece is marked “Burma 1820-50’s,” reflecting the craftsmanship and style of its era, with historical significance in Southeast Asian trade.

    •Weight
    •    Marked “Burma 1820-50’s”
    •    Weight: 317.5 grams
    •    Size: 2.5” H x 1.5” W x 1.5” D

Condition:
Good. Age-appropriate wear consistent with use, including surface patina and minor oxidation. Remains structurally intact, with wear adding to it's historical authenticity.

Historical Context:
Opium weights were crucial in everyday trade transactions, produced in a range of sizes to measure commodities by weight. The units of measurement, while not directly corresponding to Western scales, maintained a proportional relationship within each series, allowing for accurate trade across different sizes.