Description:

Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), ca. 19th century CE. A collection of 11 cast leaded-bronze and bronze scale weights in the form of birds and mythical beasts, ranging from 8.1 to 325.5 grams. Three are in the form of a creature known as a "toe" while the others are of a charming duck form. The toe is a mythical feline and horse-like hybrid, here elaborately portrayed with large crests, arched tails, and crouching on four legs. Animal-shaped weights were a tool to weigh not just opium but any item that merchants and officials required: food, raw materials, and metals. After the British occupied Burma in 1885, they introduced flat, round iron weights that replaced these whimsical bronze examples. Size of largest: 1.6" L x 1.5" W x 2.75" H (4.1 cm x 3.8 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Denver collection, USA, by inheritance before 2000 from the Harry Tammen Family collection, former owner of the Denver Post

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#172679

  • Condition: Surface wear as expected with age and use, minor nicks and abrasions, and softening to details. Overall good to excellent condition. Light mineral deposits and patina. Old inventory labels on bases.

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July 5, 2022 10:00 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