Thai bronze Weight

 This antique bronze opium weight with rich patina originates from Burma. It is in the form of a Brahmani duck (hamsa)  with an upturned tail sitting on a hexagonal base. Most opium weights, including this one, were created through the lost wax casting process. 

Although they are generally referred to as opium weights, these weights were used to measure all types of raw material and food in day to day business. 

L. 1½" : W. 1⅝" : H. 2½"

c.  1900