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Opium Weight 20 Tical Bronze Karaweik EOW48

$245.00

From Myawadi, Burma, this bird opium weight is often referred to as the karaweik, characterized by the pointed beak that curves down at the tip and the inverted V-shaped tail feathers. The bird was thought to provide a link between heaven and earth, symbolizing the flight of the soul and representing purity and gentleness. The extremities of the weight are very worn, leaving a smooth, dark patina.

Availability: In stock

Characteristics

Weight: 20 kyat/tical, 280 grams (kyat mass: 15.7g)
Height: 6cm, 2.4 in
Base: 4cm, 1.6 in
Base plan: octagonal
Base lines: 3 horizontal lines
Sign: indistinguishable
Frequency: 26/1000
Period: 1767-1785, King Hsinbyushin
Form: Bird, Kalaweik

* Earth to Heaven: The Royal Animal-Shaped Weights of the Burmese Empire Paperback –2002 by Joan & Donald Gear

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