2 Tical Burmese Late Shan Duck

This beautiful Burmese standard weight features a simple design with several ridges and lines around the bronze figure, along with patches of bronze patina. The figure has a small strutting U-tail, a hexagonal base with two horizontal lines around it, and four vertical lines in the front. The Late Shan duck is also distinguished by a cockscomb spike.

Provenance: Ex. Private Collection, Netherlands.

Culture & Date: Burmese, 1752 - 1885 AD.

Literature Reference: Leif Bering Mikkelsen. Opium Weights - Old Animal-shaped Bronze Weights from Southeast Asia: Commercial, Ethnic, Symbolic, and Historical Perspectives. 2017.

Condition: Fine.

Dimensions:

• Weight: 2 Tical (32 grams)
• Height: 2.7 cm
• Length: 2 cm
• Width: 2 cm

Historical Context:

This Hamsa (Shan Duck) is part of one of the last released groups of Burmese standard weights, issued during the Konbaung Period (1752 - 1885). This example dates back to the 19th century.

Burmese standard weights were produced at official sites designated by the reigning monarch. This centralized production led to distinct stylistic features over time. However, it also encouraged the creation of forgeries and unofficial weights.

Despite the stylistic tendencies, late Shan or Hamsa weights are essentially simplified versions of the older Mon ducks and Golden Hamsas.