Description:

Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. 1880s to 1940s CE. An equal-arm balance scale cast from bronze & copper with a carved wood case for storing the instrument. The beam has stupa shaped terminal tips on the horizontal beam and the vertical finial that the indicator centers within. A silver Satang coin on a string is used for securing the wood case together - the braided rattan hoop slips over and then wrapping the cord around the rest. This type of scale is often described as a opium scale since that was one common use for these, however they were used for measuring a wide variety of merchant goods such as herbs, spices, and precious metals. Size (incl. pans): 7.3" L x 4.5" W x 14" H (18.5 cm x 11.4 cm x 35.6 cm); wood case: 8.75" L x 4" W (22.2 cm x 10.2 cm)

The coin probably dates 1937 to 1946 during King Rama VIII rule, and may be a newer addition or replacement cord for securing the case.

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#181406

  • Condition: The strings are probably later replacements and include various colors and weights of threads, and one pan is reattached with a plastic wire. Green patina and toning to the brass areas. Wood case has some chips and abrasions, but otherwise intact. Nice antique condition.

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October 12, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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