Burmese Bronze Hintha Bird Opium Weight

Early to mid. 19th century, Burma (Myanmar), Southeast Asia 

A beautifully cast bronze opium weight in the form of a Hintha bird (Brahmani duck), with a six-sided rounded base and faint verification mark of a six-rayed star on the front. Three finely incised concentric lines encircle the top of the base. This weight represents an authentic market-used example, richly patinated and full of character.

The Hintha, or Hamsa, was the emblem of the Mon Kingdom of Lower Burma and symbolizes prosperity and spiritual grace. Typically depicted with a proud, crested head, rounded breast, and upturned tail, the bird’s feathers and features were often accentuated by delicate incision. In Burmese tradition, such forms were not only aesthetic but deeply emblematic—embodying the balance between material wealth and divine virtue, famously associated with Queen Shinsawbu’s 15th-century reign.

Bronze opium weights were used throughout Burma and the Golden Triangle to measure opium, precious metals, spices, and medicines, forming the backbone of regional commerce. Weights were cast in graduated sets—typically ten—from a fraction of a tical to large multi-tical examples. Each was regulated and officially verified by royal or local seals, ensuring consistency in trade.

A fine and evocative piece of Burmese cultural heritage, representing the artistry, symbolism, and regulated commerce of 19th-century Southeast Asia. 

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Deep dark brown patina with black coating. Size approx. 2,9cm x 2,2cm x 1,8cm

Provenance: Swedish private collection

References and further reading:

A Model Chronology of the Animal Weights of Burma (Myanmar), Hartmut Mollat, Anthropos 104/2009, pp. 533-542, Published By: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, 2009.

Earth to Heaven: The Royal Animal‐Shaped Weights of the Burmese Empires, Donald Gear & Joan Gear, London: Twinstar, 1992.

Animal Weights from Burma and Beyond, R.J. Willis & G. Herman, River Books, 2019.

Analysis of historical Burmese opium weights and lead coins - metal origin, alloys and surface coating, Robert Lehmann, Hartmut Mollat, Ingo Horn, Ekkehard Döhring & Carla Vogt. Academia.edu.

Burmese Opium Weights, Sylvia Fraser-Lu, Arts of Asia 1, pp. 73–81, 1982.

Opium Weights, Rolfe Braun & Ilse Braun, London: Braun, 1983.