Burmese bronze 19^th century  Hintha opium weight
this is an exceptionally rare, monumental and stylised opium weight, shaped as a mythical Hintha bird, in patinated bronze
Hintha, also known as a Hamsa or Brahmani duck, is a sacred aquatic bird rooted deeply in Burmese mythology and folklore. This specific variant features an integrated curved handle looping from the crest of the head down to its elaborate tail feathers
Despite their popular Western nickname (“opium weights”), they were the official standard weights used across the Burmese Konbaung Empire for measuring all everyday market goods, bulk commodities, and currency metals like silver
Total weight of 7,3 kg
Provenance: Robert Willocx Collection, Brussels
The Robert Willocx Collection was a highly regarded private assembly of Asian art
It was built over several decades by Professor Dr. Robert Willocx (1932–2023), a prominent Belgian medical doctor, professor, and gastroenterologist at the Université Catholique de Louvain