An elegant and beautiful curio and desk accessory, this unique carved filigree stone tortoise curio adds just that lovely extra touch of class. Stone carving is done in stone of intermediate hardness. Soapstone is the preferred material available in various shades: grey, pink and yellow. This craft is believed to have been introduced here in the 17th century by Persian artisans brought by the Mughal emperor. The Jali or Jaali is a fine filigree of marble, carved to appear as stone lattices with delicate and intricate floral and geometrical patterns.