CHINESE OPIUM SCALE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY DOTCHIN

Comprising a two piece pivoting wood case. The base inlet for the scale pan, weight and balance arm. Shows significant use. The strings incomplete/replaced. Dating to the mid century opium wars between Britain (supported by France, second war) and China. Britain had smuggled opium from India and had it widely distributed in China creating a market to offset its trade balance, based on tea. British forces. China attempted to suppress the trade. With superior naval and military technology, Britain captured key ports like Canton and Shanghai. China ceded Hong Kong to Britain, opened five ports to foreign trade, granted Britain most-favored-nation status, and paid a large indemnity. In the second war (1856-60) Chinese officials boarded the British ship Arrow, escalating into broader conflict. France joined Britain, citing the murder of a French missionary. Anglo-French forces captured Beijing, looting and burning the Old Summer Palace.