"Inkstone" and cover in the shape of a turtle
Turtles and tortoises, symbols of longevity and endurance, have long been associated with divination in ancient China. Here, the shell is engraved with the eight trigrams (bagua) used in Daoist cosmology, which became increasingly important during the Sui and Tang dynasties.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.