Iron weight in the form of a dog with a bell hanging from its neck. 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 Yuan period (1279 – 1368). It is difficult to date iron which corrodes easily but this one really looks very old. Height 12.6 cm. Width ca 8 cm. Depth 3.1 cm. Weight around 951 grams.