Covered ink palette in the shape of a tortoise

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Manager ID

335

Title

Steatite covered ink palette in the shape of a tortoise Six Dynasties-early Tang (7th century or earlier)

Short title

Covered ink palette in the shape of a tortoise

Record number

BATEA : 328

Simple name

ink palette

Classified name

stone; steatite; Tang; ink palette; animal; tortoise; Six Dynasties; scholar's studio; China;

Description

Description part summary

Steatite covered ink palette in the shape of a tortoise, the carapace cover fitting neatly behind its long snake-like raised head and neck, incised to simulate the scales of the carapace, the base forming the palette shaped to hold fluid but not a separate ink stone. The tail, eyes and ears are all in relief. The whole is executed in greyish steatite with black flecks; traces of ink and cinnebar, the base with clawed feet.

Description material

steatite

Description condition

good, but at some stage the neck of the tortoise has been broken and repaired

Description Colour

Aspect	Colour

body	greyish with black flecks
decoration

Description length

13cm

Description height

4.8cm

Description diameter

Description width

10.1cm

Description depth

Description inscription

Description notes

Gallery location

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