Bronze 20 Tikal Weight-‘Chinthe’
From Burma, this bronze weight is in the form of the mythical beast called a ‘chinthe’ in Burma, or lion/dog. (In Thailand it is known as a ‘singh’.) Such weights are commonly called “opium weights”, but were actually part of a standard system of weights and measurements used for all manner of goods, and officiated by the king and government at the time. Dating from the late 18th-early 19th centuries, this is a large 20 tikal weight (it actually weighs 318gm), and has a handle. The base is square and has vestiges of a star sign plus three horizontal bands encircling the base. It is rather pitted, but still retains some nice details. There is also encrusted dirt which we have not removed. Larger sizes are less common and this is an authentic example. Note that it could have been part of a set along with ATW310 and ATW146- they have the same details and look great grouped together.
Size: 2.75 x 2 x 1.33 inches; 7 x 5 x 3cm
$220.00
