The use of animal shaped weights of the solar Chinese zodiac was in popular use in northern Laos and Siam from at least the 1800s where they were commonly used to weigh opium, and silver ingots. They were also kept as good luck charms and it was common for fortune tellers to keep a complete set.
It is widely agreed that the animal weights of Siam & Laos were generally much less accurate than the Burmese weights. Genuine Siamese / Lao weights were often made of a particularly high quality bronze. Reproductions are distinctly inferior both in quality of bronze and styling and are easily spotted.
Characteristics
Height: 3.1cm, 1.22 in
Base: 2.4cm, .94in
Weight: 57 grams
Period: Early 19th C
Read more about our Opium Weight Collection
Read Blog on Siamese / Laotian Opium Weights
View Burma Photo Gallery
