The style of this opium weight is instantly recognizable with the raised head crests and curled tail feathers in a v-shape along with the rod mouth appendage. The extremities of the weight have been smoothed over by the hands of time leaving a very attractive, smooth, rich patina. The 6 ray star sign on the base is still faintly distinguishable.
Characteristics
Height: 6.1cm, 2.4 in
Base: 4.5cm, 1.8 in
Weight: 20 kyat/tical, 308 grams (kyat mass: 15.3g)
Base plan: octagonal
Base lines: 3 horizontal lines
Sign: 9 ray star
Tail: V – shaped
Frequency: 13/1000
Period: 1757-1767, King Alaungpaya
Form: bird, ‘Golden Hamsa’
* Earth to Heaven: The Royal Animal-Shaped Weights of the Burmese Empire Paperback –2002 by Joan & Donald Gear
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