Ɏ A PETRIFIED TORTOISE SHELL WITH ORACLE BONE INSCRIPTIONS, SHANG DYNASTY OR LATER

拍品描述

Ɏ A PETRIFIED TORTOISE SHELL WITH ORACLE BONE INSCRIPTIONS, SHANG DYNASTY OR LATER China, c. 1500-1050 BC or later. The complete carapace neatly engraved with schematic characters arranged in orderly rows across the surface of the plastron. These inscriptions represent some of the earliest known examples of systematic Chinese writing, preserving elements of early pictographic script. The shell exhibiting a rich, naturally grown patina. Dimensions: Length 11.4 cm The term ‘oracle bone’ refers to the ox scapulae (shoulder blades) and turtle plastrons employed by Shang rulers in divinatory practices. These materials were carefully prepared in advance through polishing and carving. During the divination ritual, the ruler posed a question, after which a diviner applied heat to carved hollows on the bone or plastron, causing fine cracks to form on the opposite surface. The diviner interpreted the resulting crack patterns as the answer to the inquiry. In many cases, both the question and its interpretation were subsequently inscribed on the surface of the oracle bone. Literature comparison: A closely related petrified tortoise shell with oracle bone inscription, dated 20th century or possibly Shang dynasty, circa 1400 BC, is in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, record number BATEA : 1148. Compare a related ‘oracle bone’ tortoise shell fragment, China, late Shang dynasty, Anyang phase, c. 1250-1050 BC, 10.2 cm long, in the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Asian Art, accession number F1985.35. Compare a related ‘oracle bone’ tortoise shell fragment, China, late Shang dynasty, Anyang phase, c. 1250-1050 BC, 18.4 cm long, in the Museum of the Institute of History and Philology, Taipei, item no. R044284. Compare a related ‘oracle bone’ tortoise shell fragment, China, late Shang dynasty, Anyang phase, c. 1200 BC, 18.6 cm long, in the National Museum of China, reference number Heji 4264r. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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