Opium weight 1, Height: 6.5cm
Opium weight 2, Height: 5.5cm
Opium weight 3, Height: 5cm
Opium weight 4, Height: 4.5cm
Opium weight 5, Height: 4cm
View from the back of all the opium weights
View from the front of all the opium weights
View of the base of all the opium weightsThe opium weights from Burma were used to weigh high value products such as silver ingots which were used as currencies. As from my research, the early European traders reported the use of these weights for measuring foreign gold and silver coins, pearls, rubies, coral, personal ornaments, spices, camphor, musk and costly medicines.
As from my collection, I have a total of five bronze opium weight with bird figures in different sizes. They are from Myawaddy, Burma, and these bird weights has detailed feathers in appealing forms.
Period: 1785-1802, King Singu
Click on the pictures for the bigger versions....
Opium Weights was regarded as the standard burmese weights by Richard temple during his visit in Burma in 19th Century. Opium weights and burmese buddha statues are quite famous in Burma.
ReplyDelete