Antique Japanese Meiji Era (1868-1912) Hakari Tenbin Balance 10lbs Weight 5.5"

This is an antique Japanese balance scale (hakari) weight dating to the late Edo Era (c1800-1860). It has Japanese writing on one side and a shop logo on the other. It is bell shaped with a lanyard ring at the top to adjust up and down a pole scale.

Stamped in copper-alloy inlay is the official indication that this is a precise measure "正"

Markings  "下野" (Shimotsuke - pre-Meiji Province now known as Tochigi-ken) and The Manji (Buddha's Footprint - In Buddhist symbolism, the manji signifies good fortune, auspiciousness, and the Buddha's footprint. It's often seen on Buddhist temples, iconography, and traditional Japanese objects like kimono and swords.)

Height = 5.5" (14cm)

Diameter = 3.75" (cm)

Weight = 9lbs 14oz

With exception to some blemishes and oxidation it has a nice aged patina, it remains in very good functional condition.