Lot 81 email save

BURMA, prior to the16th century, a bird w

BURMA, prior to the16th century, a bird weight, well-worn with stone (pegmatite core). Gear on p. 49, plate 8 depicts this type of weight with the note that the technique of covering stone with bronze was employed in Thailand around 14 AD. Around the dense round base are impressions of an early script. A bird called a "hentha" sits in roosting posture. It has a very thick tail. The hentha became the most frequently used animal on this long series of so-called "opium weights." Similar to lot 7 in Malter Auction of Nov. 24, 2002. This example is better preserved. See Donald and Joan Gear, 'Earth to Heaven', plate 8. H: 3". See also See also Houben, op. cit. p. 47. Extremely rare and desirable.

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