Description:

Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A set of 5 cast brass weights in the form of stylized zoomorphic creatures standing atop bases and a brass balance scale with a hinged T-bar that supports a pair of shallow scale cups on cotton threads. The scale fits inside of the hand-carved wooden carrying case comprised of 2 lids carved with relief scrolling foliate motifs that swivel open via a nail. The weights are cast in the form of a mythical animal known as a "toe" with hooved feet and a feline's head. This scale and weights were tools used to weigh not just opium but any item that needed to be weighed - food, raw materials, and metals. Animal-shaped weights were a charming tool used to weigh not just opium but any item that needed to be weighed - food, raw materials, and metals. Size of wood case: 9.5" L x 3.75" W x 1.5" H (24.1 cm x 9.5 cm x 3.8 cm); largest weight: 1" Diameter x 1.75" H (2.5 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Aspire Auctions, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

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#181697

  • Condition: Chips and abrasions to surfaces of brass weights. Areas of green patina, oxidation, and toning. Patina to wood case and abrasions. Nice antique condition.

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October 19, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000