CHINESE
Ivory ball
(象牙球)
(19th century-early 20th century)

Medium
ivory

Measurements
49.0 × 11.0 cm diameter

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of John H. Connell, 1917

Gallery location
Not on display

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
China

Accession Number
1871-D3

Department
Asian Art

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation

Physical description
The carved ivory ball consists of twelve layers of carved rotating balls one within another. Each ball has circular openings from which each ball was carved from larger to smaller balls at the core. From the openings we could see and move the inner balls. The entire ball has a carved floral decoration at the top from which is hung by a chain with a hanging hook in the shape of a dragon. Underneath the ball is a carved knob with an upside down flying bat at the base.

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CHINESE Ivory ball (象牙球) (19th century-early 20th century)

Artwork Details

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CHINESE
Ivory ball
(象牙球)
(19th century-early 20th century)