Dropper, terracotta snake tortoise, mingqi, Eastern Han Dynasty, Imp. Xiandi period, as the inscription on the lower body says.
Prof. Ye Zhemin wrote in Beijing's 'Palace Museum Journal': 'The terracotta funerary objects of the Han Dynasty are renowned worldwide for their realistic forms and their extensive variety...
The turtle-shaped dropper has a very lively modeling: on the back of the object is depicted a snake of characteristic beauty, a symbol of good luck. The scribe let a few drops of water come out of the turtle's mouth, which made the ink dissolve in the stone inkwell. It's a very rare piece...
It was believed that since the male tortoise did not exist, the female mated with the snake. Reason at the same time superstitious, able to ward off evil spirits, and bring good luck.
In the Museum since 1964. Comes from Luoyang.
