Opium Weights around the world
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Actually, opium weights are the ancient Burmese bronze weights. These weights were much popular not only in Burma but also in nearby countries like- Lao, Thailand, etc. But it is recorded that the weighing scale was spread from Burma and was discontinued in practice when British imposed standardized flat round weights.
Even though Government imposed new weighing scales, an ancient weighing scale was used in the village. Hence, Burmese didn't stop the production of the weights. Later when the travelers found the beautifully designed weights, they were attracted towards it. They collected these opium weights and displayed in their personal collections.
Various shaped Opium Weights
We have known the most common form of Opium weights. But there are other designs incorporated in the Opium Weights as well. Nandabahu, scholar found that various animal shapes were also used in the Opium Weights history. These animal shapes are Chicken, Stork, Stag, Elephant, Goat, Bird of Paradise, Toe Naya, Tibetan Bull, Chrested Bull, Heron, Bear, Mynah, Hintha, Red Hintha, Cuckoo. It has also been mentioned in his research work that different species of birds were cast in various dynasties but are lost as an effect of wearing off. Even some of the designs mentioned in his research work doesn't likely to be found.
It has been found that the animals and designs other than mentioned in Nandabadu's work are also found some of which are not Burmese origin. The animals like fish, frogs, monkeys, and Nandi (bull) which are based in Hinduism are also used as the designs in the opium weights.
Apart from this, the motifs of the Chinese 12-year cycle are also represented by animal weights. These animals are a rat, buffalo, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, cock, dog, pig.
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Modern Opium Weights
Majorly modern opium weights are made up of brass which has golden in appearance. These opium weights are just the replica of the ancient opium weights that were cast in bronze. It is recorded that modern opium weights are not fine and has sharp edges. One can be sure of modern opium weights if they examine the weights carefully. The criteria may be unnatural greenish in the weights, several identical examples of rare motifs.
Showcased Opium Weights
It is true that Opium Weights are fascinating. They are collected by many art lovers and are displayed in their personal collections. But these beautifully designed opium weights are also displayed in the museums.
Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England displays antique opium weights which were gifted by R. C. Temple. During his visit to Mandalay, he had collected a set of opium weights. When he returned to England, he offered the weights to the Museum.
Likewise, opium weights are also displayed in the Museums of North Thailand- Hall of Opium museum and House of Opium museum.
Hall of Opium museum is located at Moo 1, Ban Sop Ruak village, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Saen, Chaing Rai Province , Thailand. The main purpose of this museum is to educate people about opium and its effects. The museum also covers all the aspects of opium war, smugglings, and its trade. Along with these informational sections, the museum also displays the weights and scale used to measure opium. These vary from small to big weights known till date.
House of Opium museum is smaller than the Hall of Opium museum. It is located at 212 Moo 1, Wiang Sub district, Chiang Saen 57150, Thailand. Even though it has got a smaller area, the museum is equipped with a huge collection of old weights, scales, fancy opium pipes and other paraphernalia of the period of the opium trade. Other than these materials, the museum also displays the cultural aspects of Northern Thailand.
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