Antique Burmese Hintha Hamsa Bronze Opium Market Weight 1483g 100 Tical Burma For Sale

Antique Burmese Hintha / Hamsa Bird-Form Market Weight – 1,483 Grams
Substantial cast metal Burmese animal-form trade weight depicting the mythical Hintha/Hamsa bird. These traditional zoomorphic weights are widely known among collectors as “opium weights,” although historically they served as standardized market weights for a variety of valuable commodities.
This is an unusually large and heavy example weighing approximately 1,483 grams (3 lb 4.3 oz) and standing approximately 4.2–4.3 inches / 10.7–11 cm tall.
The figure features a stylized bird with prominent eyes and head crest, curved mouth appendage, overhead loop/handle, raised tail and integral pedestal base. The surface retains a dark, naturally aged patina with areas of wear and oxidation consistent with age and handling.
The form and weight closely correspond with documented Burmese Hintha weights in the approximately 100-tical / one-viss class. Comparable examples have been classified within the traditional Gear typology of Burmese animal-shaped weights. Exact age and classification of this example have not been independently authenticated, and it is therefore being offered based on its physical characteristics, weight and comparison with documented examples.
Weight: 1,483 g / approximately 3 lb 4.3 oz
Height: approximately 4.2–4.3 in / 10.7–11 cm
Origin: Burma / Myanmar, attributed
Material: Cast bronze/copper-alloy type metal, not laboratory tested
Form: Hintha / Hamsa mythical bird
Condition: Antique condition with substantial age-related patina, oxidation, surface wear, abrasions and casting irregularities. Please inspect all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
A particularly substantial example with strong sculptural presence as well as historical interest for collectors of Burmese weights, Southeast Asian metalwork and ethnographic objects.