Antique Burmese Bronze Hintha Bird Opium Weights (Set of 3)

While called opium weights, these were used to weigh many things in everyday transactions, such as gold, silver, spices, pearls, etc. Measurements were proportional within a graduated set
 
This set displays the hintha bird, which is the Burmese equivalent of the Indian wild goose, hamsa. In Hindu mythology, the hamsa was the steed of Brahma who is the creator of the universe, the protector of the world, the god of wisdom. The bird represents purity, grace, prosperity, and fidelity in Burmese lore.
 
Two of these appear to have six petaled flower or asterix marks on the side, suggesting they were made in the mid 19th century, which is in keeping with the style of the hintha birds.
 
We believe our mother would have picked these up in an antique shop on the Thai-Burmese border as early as the 1970s or in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) as late as the mid 1980s. The style is 19th Century, but we cannot confirm when they were made. They are in in excellent vintage condition although they could use a cleaning.
 
L: H 2 1/2” x L 1 1/2” x D 1 1/2”, 11.18 oz (317g)
M: H 2” x L 1 1/4” x D 1 1/4”, 5.50 oz (156g)
S: H 1 5/8” x L 1” x D 1”, 2.57 oz (73g)
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.