Iron weight in the form of a standing ram. These weights were used to weigh all kinds of goods at markets. In China the units were re-standardized during the late 20th century to make them metric. Many of the units in China were formerly based on the number 16. This one was acquired in Shanghai and is of a type which was common during the Song period (AD 960 – 1279). It is difficult to date iron which corrodes easily but this one really looks very old. Height 9.0 cm. Width 6.2 cm. Depth 3.7 cm. Weight around 560 grams.