Royal Animal – Shaped (Chinthe) Coin Weight, Burma
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Detail: Made from high quality silver and nickel, this highly detailed weight was made for Burmese royalty in the 19th Century. The history of such weights began before regular currency when transactions in the bazaars were made by weighing out lumps of metal, ganza (basket or metal canister) with a series of weights. Of course they were also used to measure opium. There are three basic shapes. This particular variation is of a Chinthe, a dog/lion, a shape prominent in Chinese mythology. This weight is exceptional and detailed. This composition and quality are very hard to find. I purchased it from a West Coast collector of these weights. Stand is included.
For the Serious Collector. If you are interested in learning more about the artistic beauty and symbolism as well as their manufacture, standardization and usage, may I suggest a book titled Earth to Heaven (Donald Gear – 2003). Sorry, this item has been sold. CONTACT US for other items that have similar characteristics.