A Chinese carved archaistic jade small tortoise seal, Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)

with tortoise knop over an underside carved with six characters in seal script, the carapace with incised details, the stone of brown/green mottled colour
2 x 2.2 x 2.2cm

Provenance:
By repute originally owned by the Wadmore Family.
James Wadmore (4th October 1782 - 24 December 1853)
Acquired by the current owner in Australia circa 1980

In traditional Chinese culture the tortoise represents Longevity, Wisdom and Stability. It is one of the four divine creatures and represents the North Direction. Known to live for long periods it is revered.