Title
Inkstone with engraved insect
Year/Period
Tang dynasty, around 830s
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object Size: 2 x 10 x 5.5 cm
Accession No.
2005.1-00544
Collection of
Credit Line
The Tang Shipwreck was acquired through the generous donation of the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat.
A stick of ink would have been ground on the flat surface of this dustpan-shaped inkstone and mixed with water. This inkstone is finely carved and features an insect (possibly a cicada) engraved at its top end. A unique find, this inkstone confirms that a literate Chinese person was on board, perhaps a trader.
