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Antique Burmese bronze karaweik market or opium weight

$ 792

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Color: Bronze
  • Primary Material: Bronze
  • Region of Origin: Southeast Asia
  • Age: 1800-1849
  • Condition: Signs of wear, original patina, fine condition.
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Original/Reproduction: Antique Original

    Description

    Antique Burmese 1 viss
    A-le
    -
    a zoomorphic form bronze market weight often referred to as an “opium weight", in the form  of a
    Karaweik
    , a Burmese crane with pointed  beak, bulging eyes, side wings and upturned tail standing on a tapered octagonal base with a crested mane in three peaks, repeated on the overhead loop handle connected to the tail with an extra sphere. Measuring 1 viss, the approximate equivalent to 1632 grams.
    Signs of wear, original patina, fine condition.
    4.875 in. high x 2.875 in. wide x 3.5 in. deep. (124 x 72 x 88 mm)
    Weight 3lbs. 9.2 oz. (1624g.)
    Konbaung dynasty, circa 1820.
    Sold as a single item only - the final photograph is to show relative size only.
    For a similar example see: Fraser-Lu, Sylvia, ‘Burmese “Opium” Weights’, Arts of Asia, Jan-Feb ‘82, p.77. and Burmese Crafts: Past and Present, pl.115, p.135.