Burmese Bronze Opium Weights Burma Mythical Lions Set Of 5

Description

Burmese
Opium Weights
Burma
Bronze
Lion Figural
Collectibles
Set Of 5
The term ‘opium weight’ were part of a normal weighing system used in Burmese markets to weigh out foodstuffs and everyday items – and some are still used for this today.
These interesting animal weights have long attracted the curiosity of travelers to Burma and are now very much coveted by collectors as they become harder to find.
Originally, they were used to weigh relatively high value products such as silver ingots, which were used as currency. 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. More common products were weighed with dome shaped marble weights. Items were measured by a beam hung with two baskets or trays.
The
beast
weights are commonly referred to as ‘lions’, Chinthè, to or to- naya and to-aung. While bearing similarities to the mythical beast represented by the weights, they are not the same. The beast weight is a horned, lion-like creature composed of elements of the lion/tiger (the mane and tongue), deer (the horns), elephant (hooves) and horse (tail).
The beast weight is thought to represent the bodhisattva, or one who seeks enlightenment out of compassion to release others from suffering, as well as the chakravartin, a divine universal monarch. The beast weight symbolises the god-king.
Measures about:
(from largest to smallest)
1)
2 1/4 inches high and 2 inches wide -
Weight
: 271 g
2)
1 3/4 inches high and 1 1/4 inches wide -
Weight
: 125 g
3)
1 1/4 inches high and 1 inch wide -
Weight
: 53 g
4)
1 inch high and 3/4 inches wide -
Weight
: 21 g
5)
3/4 inches high and 1/2 inches wide -
Weight
: 11 g
Very good to excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or repairs.
(We are not experts in any piece)