Bronze Garuda Opium Weight

This 19th c. bronze figurine is cast in the form of Garuda, a demigod and mythical king of birds in Hindu and Buddhist faith. Taking the form of half-bird half man, Garuda is a powerful protector and ever-watchful enemy of the serpent. This Garuda was originally used as a weight to measure quantities of opium. It is depicted here with a beaked face and wings outstretched, polished to a high shine with gold color.