1-233-857 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Steatite covered ink palette in the shape of a tortoise, Six Dynasties, China, 7th century or earlier. A steatite covered ink palette in the shape of a tortoise. The carapace cover fits neatly behind its long, snake-like raised head and neck. The base forming the palette is 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 remain.