Chinese puzzle balls are very decorative items, carved from one piece of ivory to form a pierce carved ball with other internal balls. Drilling large holes towards the centre made each layer. Sharp tools could then reach the centre to cut a section free to carve an inner ball. Layers were added by carving around the central ball. The outer layer is the thickest and has been carved with Chinese figures playing music, writing and sitting.
Puzzle balls are very common. The ivory was probably shipped from Africa, carved in China and exported to Europe where they were popular. Elephants are now an endangered species and t is now illegal to buy ivory from an elephant killed after 1947.
The balls are usually made of ivory but can also be found in synthetic ivory, resin, wood, jade, and other materials. Chinese puzzle balls are very common in antique chess sets, where the ball will sit below the character piece.
Puzzle balls are very common. The ivory was probably shipped from Africa, carved in China and exported to Europe where they were popular. Elephants are now an endangered species and t is now illegal to buy ivory from an elephant killed after 1947.
The balls are usually made of ivory but can also be found in synthetic ivory, resin, wood, jade, and other materials. Chinese puzzle balls are very common in antique chess sets, where the ball will sit below the character piece.