Pair of “opium scales” from Laos, these came from Luang Prabang but were used through much of Southeast Asia. Most likely these were used in everyday trading whether it was pork meat to big chunks of opium and are quite simple with lead applied to one end as a counterweight and the scale being measured in hash marks along the sides. The opposite ends have been inlaid with small rectangular pieces of a darker wood (possibly buffalo horn?), a subtle but attractive decoration. Some wear as to be ...click for details
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