A TURQUOISE ARCHAISTIC PENDANT OF A TORTOISE SHELL China, Shang Dynasty (1600 - 1046 BC) or later. The turquoise with large, dark inclusions carved in the form of an empty tortoise shell. Incised, geometrical ornaments are rendered in archaic style. Large, central drilling showing ancient toolmarks. Tortoise shell has strong associations with an early notion of a flat earth and domed sky, while tortoise itself is a sacred symbol of longevity, power, and tenacity. Publication: This lot will be catalogued in the book about the turquoise collection of Dr. Zelnik which is expected to be published in 2022. Condition: Good condition with some age-related wear and natural cracks. Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. Istvan Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe. Weight: 12 g Dimensions: 2.9 cm x 2.5 cm