Lot 8651

Set of bronze opium weights in the shape of the mythical ducklike bird, Hintha with a single topknot and a wide blunt tail (ca. 1600-1860AD). The weights were used in commerce, to weight ingots of various metals. When the primary purpose of these weights in everyday commerce was rendered obsolete by introduction of coinage during the 1880's, they did preserve some function in pursuance of the opium trade - 326.00, 155.62, 78.60 & 77.95 g. - 4 pieces total