water colours

Evidence

"According to A. Schopen (oral communication), here it is a container for water colours."

Remarks

This stone container (Inventory No. J 42) from the 3rd/9th-4th/10th century is specifically identified as a quadruple pigment bowl. The text notes that while multiple bowls for spices or sweetmeats are common, they are usually ceramic or metal; this stone version is intended for water colours. (p. 166)