As cranes are said to live for a thousand years and turtles for ten thousand years, the turtle, like the crane, is a symbol of longevity.
A wave pattern is drawn with silver powder on black lacquer. On top of this, the turtle is drawn in gold plain maki-e, with fine patterns in precise lines of gold. The technique of leaving the border between the carapace and the tail is called "kaki-wari," and requires a high level of skill. The eyes are decorated with vermilion lacquer.
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