5 Tical Burmese Hamsa Opium Weight

This 5 Tical Burmese Hamsa opium weight features a simple design with minimal ridges or lines around the figure. The lines around the round-ish hexagonal base have been completely worn away, and small deposits of dirt can be seen around the animal. The figure is distinguished by a cockscomb spike on top of its head.

Provenance: Ex. Private Collection, Netherlands.

Culture & Date: Burmese, 1785 - 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: 5 Tical (79 grams)
• Height: 4.3 cm
• Length: 2.5 cm
• Width: 2.5 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.