Antique 19th Century Burmese Bronze Hintha Bird Opium Weights Set of 8

Antique 19th Century Burmese Bronze Hintha Bird Trade / Opium Weights – Graduated Set of Eight

A fascinating graduated collection of eight antique Burmese cast bronze bird-form weights, traditionally known to collectors as “opium weights”.

Dating to approximately the 19th century, the weights are modelled as stylised Hintha or Hamsa birds, an important traditional Burmese form. Each is individually cast with an integral pedestal base, with the larger examples displaying beautifully stylised sweeping plumage, elongated necks and finely incised feather decoration.

Although commonly described today as “opium weights”, these were trade or balance weights used in Burma (modern Myanmar) for weighing a variety of valuable commodities, including precious metals, gems, medicines, spices and other goods.

This is a particularly attractive group because it contains eight graduated examples ranging from a substantial 574g bird down to a tiny 6g miniature.

Measurements and weights, largest to smallest:

• 11.5cm × 4.5cm × 6cm – 574g
• 8.5cm × 3.5cm × 5cm – 268g
• 7cm × 2.5cm × 3.5cm – 108g
• 5cm × 2cm × 3cm – 70g
• 4cm × 2cm × 1cm – 34g
• 3cm × 1cm × 1cm – 18g
• 2cm × 0.8cm × 1cm – 8g
• 2cm × 0.8cm × 1cm – 6g

Of particular interest is the progression of the smaller weights. Documented Burmese Hintha weights in the British Museum collection, acquired in 1869 and dated 1800–1860s, include examples weighing 35g, 17g and 8g, remarkably close to the 34g, 18g and 8g examples within this group.

The figures have a deep, dark aged patina with areas of surface wear and occasional exposed copper-alloy colour consistent with their age and handling. Some bases retain later protective paper/fabric covering, presumably applied by a previous owner to protect furniture. This has deliberately been left undisturbed.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description. These are antique, hand-cast objects and consequently display variations in casting, surface, patination and wear.

The set is being offered complete as a group of eight.

A wonderful collection of historic Burmese metalwork and particularly appealing displayed together as a graduated group.

Origin: Burma / Myanmar
Date: Probably 19th century
Material: Cast copper alloy, traditionally described as bronze
Form: Hintha / Hamsa bird
Number: Eight
Largest: 11.5cm, 574g
Smallest: 2cm, 6g