Description of Zuoce Ban Bronze Turtle

The "Zuoce Ban" Bronze Turtle is a bronze artifact from ancient China. It is a rectangular plaque with a turtle design, measuring 15.5 cm in length, 8.5 cm in width, and 1.2 cm in thickness. The turtle's shell is intricately carved with a pattern of scales, and its head and limbs are realistically rendered.

The plaque features inscriptions on both sides, with the front inscription detailing the "Zuoce Ban" ritual, which was performed during the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) to seek guidance from ancestors. The back inscription identifies the turtle as a symbol of longevity and good fortune, and suggests that it was used in divination practices.

The "Zuoce Ban" Bronze Turtle is significant as a cultural artifact that sheds light on the religious and spiritual practices of ancient China. It also showcases the advanced bronze-casting techniques of the Shang dynasty, which produced a wide range of ornate and intricate bronze artifacts that were highly valued in their time.