Actual dimensions: 239x187x22.9 mm, weigth: 1125 gram. Front: 5 stars above; Chinese Pailou building in the center; China Tea Company (中國茶葉公司), made in Zhaoliqiao Tea Brick Factory (趙李橋磚茶廠製造). Reverse: 16 pre-cut bar with Chinese lucky knots. Production period: approx. April 1953-1977. Production Place: Zhaoliqiao Town, Hubei Province, China Tea bricks were used as currency in China, Mongolia, Tibet, Central Asia and Russia from the 9th to the 20th century. The stones were mainly produced in the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei and Hunan in southern China. They were made in different shapes and sizes and transported by yaks or camel caravans. Because they are compact, easy to store and carry, tea stones are a practical currency that are even used to trade with people from other regions. This tea block in the photo, pre-cut on the back like a chocolate bar into sixteen equal squares with the same curved lines. This procedure makes it easier to cut the stone into smaller pieces as a form of currency. Please take a good look at the photos, they are part of the description. They provide a clear picture of the quality and condition of the product and they fill in any gaps in the text or correct any errors and are decisive for the description of the product.