Carved Olive Seed

This amazingly detailed sculpture is just over an inch long. It was carved from an olive seed by Ch'en Tsu-chang, a Chinese artist, in 1737:

On the boat are eight figures, each of which is animated and expressive in an individual manner. What is most fascinating is that the entire text of Su Shih's "Latter Ode on the Red Cliff", including more than 300 characters and upon which this work is based, is engraved with exquisite detail on the bottom of the boat, testifying to the heavenly craftsmanship of the artist. 

Link -via Oddment Emporium | Photo: National Palace Museum