Lot 186a, Auction 4/20/2026: Qing Brass Steelyard Scale – Bird & Ship Weight

$650.00

In stock

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty to early Republic period, ca. 1880 to 1930 CE. A finely cast and unusually ornate Chinese steelyard balance, where utility meets symbolism in a harmonious display of craftsmanship. The long tubular beam, formed of brass, terminates in a robust hook for suspending goods, while the opposing end supports a suspension collar and fulcrum, allowing the instrument to pivot with precision during use. The most captivating feature lies in its compound counterweight, cast from a copper-rich alloy. Suspended beneath the beam, a gracefully elongated bird – likely a crane, long associated in Chinese culture with longevity and auspicious fortune – extends downward in elegant form. Below it, a secondary weight takes the shape of a stylized ship riding curling waves, its surface adorned with relief details and small incised marks. The imagery suggests movement, trade, and safe passage, themes closely tied to mercantile life in late imperial China. Size: 56″ L x 1.2″ W x 21.5″ H (142.2 cm x 3 cm x 54.6 cm)

Above the suspended weight, a coin-form plaque with a square central aperture bears an auspicious inscription, likely a traditional prosperity phrase meaning “to attract wealth and bring in treasure.” Such expressions were commonly used in commercial contexts, reflecting both practical concerns and a belief in fortune and favorable outcomes. The integration of this charm into a weighing device transforms the object from a simple instrument into a subtle talisman of success in trade.

Steelyard balances of this type were essential tools in Chinese markets, used for weighing goods ranging from grain and medicinal materials to metals and textiles. The system relied on the careful adjustment of the counterweight along the beam, a method refined over centuries and central to everyday commerce.

Here, that functional design is elevated through decorative flourish. The bird and ship, suspended in careful balance, lend the piece a sculptural quality rarely seen in more utilitarian examples. It stands as both a working instrument and a symbolic object – a reminder that in trade, precision mattered, but a touch of good fortune was always welcome.

Condition: Some light surface wear, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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