Chinese Qing Dynasty Antique Canton Ornate Carved Ball Puzzle With Stand C1880

  

We are pleased to be able to offer this incredible Antique Qing Dynasty Canton Chinese Carved Puzzle Ball with stand C 1880. The exterior layer of this puzzle ball is intricately decorated with intertwined flowering foliage covering the entire surface.

The decorations of the inside orbs are much simpler, with lace-like geometric star patterns. The Puzzle Ball is supported on a slender stand rising from the head of a standing maiden holding a lotus flower. The Puzzle Ball is also known as the Ball of the Devils Work in China because of the extremely complicated techniques required to carve and decorate the multiple orbs nesting inside each other.

To carve a puzzle ball, the artist first drills evenly distributed conical holes in a sphere-shaped block. Layers are created before decorations are made. Using an L-shaped chisel, the artist carefully carves concentric gaps from inside to outside to form layers that enable individual orbs to float freely inside each other.

The delicate decorations on the surface of each ball are carved by another type of long tools passing through the holes. As the symbol of good luck, a puzzle ball is often characterized with auspicious motifs of Chinese mythologies, vernacular literature, or religious icons. Valued for its luxurious quality and rarity, the puzzle ball has been a highly sought-after material showcasing the power and social standing in ancient China.

The use of different types in Chinese art could be traced back to 4,000 years ago. The ball diameter measuring 5.5cm and the stand measuring 21 cm. (Measurements where specified are approximate) All in lovely original condition appropriate for age.

Please see all pictures as they form part of description. All Antique items will show some signs of wear, which only adds to the history of the object. Please study the photos as these form an integral part of the description.

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View Our Other Items For Sale. To browse our currently available items. The item "Chinese Qing Dynasty Antique Canton Ornate Carved Ball Puzzle With Stand C1880" is in sale since Sunday, December 6, 2020. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian/Oriental Antiques\Chinese\Other Chinese".

The seller is "antique_silver_uk" and is located in Lancaster. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Region of Origin: Chinese
2. Country of Origin: China
3. Product: Carving
4. Age: 1850-1899
5. Primary Material: Bone
6. Features: Handcarved
7. Antique: Yes
8. Sub-Type: Not specified
9. Original/Repro: Antique Original
10. Chinese Dynasty: Qing (1644-1911)