Burmese Cast Bronze Hintha Weights on Stepped Wooden Stand, Set of 4

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Cast in the traditional Burmese manner, each of these four bronze weights depicts the sacred Hintha bird, a mythological waterfowl … Read more Cast in the traditional Burmese manner, each of these four bronze weights depicts the sacred Hintha bird, a mythological waterfowl revered in Buddhist lore as a symbol of purity and grace. The avian figures are rendered with distinctive crests, prominent beaks, textured plumage across the rounded bodies, and fan-shaped tails curved upwards. Each bird stands firmly atop an integrated plinth base. Commonly referred to by collectors as opium weights, these cast metal standards served everyday commercial roles throughout Burma and neighbouring regions from the nineteenth century into the early twentieth century. Merchants and traders employed them on handheld beam balances to measure a wide variety of valuable goods, including silver bullion, spices, medicines, and raw commodities, rather than narcotics alone. The cast bronze displays a deep, dark brown patina across the textured surfaces, softened slightly by gentle handling along the raised details. The largest piece features a faceted base bearing an incised star-shaped stamp, a traditional mark applied by weighing masters or royal authorities to verify standard accuracy before circulation. The three smaller figures sit on tiered circular pedestals with horizontal grooved bands. The set is displayed on a tiered hardwood stand finished with a warm reddish-brown polish, allowing the four graduated sizes to be viewed in ascending order. Recorded individual weights measure 19.39 g, 29.99 g, 70.31 g, and 92.62 g, giving a combined weight of approximately 212.31 g. This tiered arrangement provides an effective tabletop presentation, making the group suitable for display as a decorative desk accent or historical ethnographic study. Dimensions of stand: 12.8 x 12.8 x 3 cm See less