Canton Ball Ivory Carved Dragon Stars Immortal China XIXth Century

Canton ball* with its support, in finely carved and openwork ivory decorated with intertwined dragons as well as small stars on the first interior layer, foot carved with a character, most certainly an immortal holding a stick, from China, from late 19th-early 20th century period. This ball is in good condition and is of remarkable quality. A note: tiny wear and dirt of time, see photos. Specimen in worked ivory, prior to July 1, 1947 and therefore compliant with EC Regulation 338/97 of 09/12/1996 art.2-Wmc. _________________________ * The Canton Ball, also called "puzzle ball", "Chinese puzzle ball" is a masterpiece of creativity and beauty whose complexity is surprising. Its production reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The design of Cantonese balls obeys three rules of perfection: YA (refinement), SI (extreme delicacy) and FAN (elaborate complexity). They are composed of several nested spheres separated from each other, so that each internal sphere moves freely one inside the other. Dimensions Foot diameter 4.8 cm / ball 5 cm Foot height 14 cm Reference: E30 124 All the photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com