Oracle Bone

Oldest known form of Chinese writing, from the Shang dynasty - up to 4,800 years ago. (Wow.)

 

The card reads:

"The day on which royal consorts would give birth, and whether the baby will be a son or daughter, were both matters of great interest to the Shang King.

Of the four sets of inscriptions on this turtle plastron, parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inquire as to the month of birth."

 

More information about the writing: click

 

Here is a list of oracle bones - this one is at the very bottom.

 

Taken in the National Palace Museum in Taipei [ against the rules, shhhhhh! ;) hooray for sneaky digicam snaps! ]

Done