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Opium Weight 20 Tical Golden Hamsa EOW18

$475.00

From Mandalay, Burma, this 18th century opium weight is often referred to as the Golden Hamsa and is an instantly recognizable style with the raised head crests and V tail feathers along with the rod mouth appendage. The extremities of the weight have been worn down a little through use and the 9 ray star is almost indistinguishable, but otherwise, the weight is in excellent condition. In the *Gears’ guide, this weight is classified as Group 3, period E.

Availability: In stock

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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