Chinese Ink Stone?

I believe what I have found is a Chinese ink stone. Measures 7 3/8" wide, 9 3/8" tall and is 7/8" thick. Stars at the top with a temple scene in the center and then has some verse at the bottom. Looking for any opinions and possible translation. Thanks

 

This is advertised as a chinese tea block or brick.

 

Ink stones have a well for the ink. To make the ink you need an ink stick, a small bar usually with an elaborate embossed design, that is ground into the well with a small amount of water via a water dropper.

 

Thanks to you both for the information. I have never heard of tea bricks, very interesting.

 

Maybe something like tea pets?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_pet

https://pathofcha.com/blogs/all-about-tea/what-exactly-is-a-tea-pet-and-how-do-we-take-care-of-them

 

Cool, finding out all kinds of new things today.

 

It is in fact just tea pressed in the shape of a brick.

 

I was just going to post that. You just pipped me at the post. Somewhere, in our loft, I believe we have one.