This tiger opium weight is in excellent condition and is one of the rarer forms found. Zodiac opium weights were often adjusted to match the modified mass unit which varied over time by removing a little alloy from the base of the weight. Laotian and Siamese opium weights were generally less accurate than Burmese weights. The mass scales varied from 11.8 grams to 16.3 grams. In 1826AD the mass unit was reported as 11.8 grams.
Characteristics
Height: 2.9cm, 1.14 in
Base Length: 3.5cm, 1.4 in
Weight: 52 grams
Period: 19th century
Provenance: Phongsali, Laos
Read more about our Opium Weight Collection
Read Blog on Opium Weights
Read more about Burma
