Description
Book SynopsisComprised mainly of new and original information, this volume will be of value as a resource for both the specialist and non-specialist -- those who appreciate the region, its peoples, and their history; the artistic beauty and symbolism of its ancient weights; and the metrology and relations of the weights to the various kinds of currency formerly in use. In particular, the book will appeal to the historical metrologist, the oriental numismatist, the art historian, the symbolist, the ethnologist, the antiquarian, the dealer, the collector, the oriental museum curator, the specialist librarian, and the scholar of oriental studies.
Earth to Heaven describes the physical characteristics of the weights and their relationships, their manufacture, standardization and usage as well as the various motifs, their origins and transference to Burma. It also includes a fascinating discussion of the different animal shapes and their symbolic significance.
Table of ContentsList of Maps
List of Tables
List of Plates
Foreword
Writing conventions
Introduction
1. Mass Units and Standardisation
2. Mass scales
3. Mass Frequencies, Goods and Masses Weighed, Weighing Procedures
4. Weight Materials and Manufacture
5. Dimensions, Shapes and Decoration
6. Signs and Style Systems
7. Animal Representations in Asia
8. The Weight Bird: Identity and Origin
9. The Weight Beast: Identity and Origin
10. The Symbolism of the Animal Weights
11. The Symbolism of the Bird Weights
12. The Symbolism of the Beast Weights
13. The Symbolism of Anserine-Feline Combination
14. The Sign and Style System Symbolism
15. The Chronological Sequence of the Weights
16. The Transference of the Anserine-Feline Motifs to Burma
17. Summary and Conclusions
Appendices
Bibliography
Index
