A small metal balance scale is enclosed within this wood container carved in the shape of the Burmese crane, known as a “karaweik,” that holds a fish in its bill. Although commonly called “opium” scales, such rudimentary instruments, and the so-called “opium” weights used with them, were basic merchant tools used in daily bazaars to measure just about anything that fit into the small trays. Mythical animals and birds were favorite design elements for items associated with the scales. In addition ...click for details
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