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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#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.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 8, 2023 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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