 | Antique
Chinese Elephant Ivory Carving
Puzzle Ball
On Dragon Dancer Stand
Origin:
China. Circa: early 1900S'
Ball:
2in.(5cm) diameter. O.A. H
8.75 in.(22cm)
W 2.25 in.(5.5cm), D 2.25 in.(5.5cm)
Condition:
excellent! Unusual
puzzle ball with a sculptural column of cream-colored ivory marked with striations
and age patina, depicting a sinuous youth displaying a large coin, the prize taken
from the top of a high pole which is reached with great difficulty. During the
New Year celebrations, athletes and martial artists vie to reach the coin, assembling
human ladders and pyramids to get to the top. Here the winner has grasped the
coin and is on his descent from the clouds to rejoin the dragon dance. Carving
is lyrical, the young man beaming with his victory, the figure showing translucence
and a high hand finish softening all the edges. The puzzle ball itself is pierced
and carved with two rampant dragons, their tails entwined in swirling clouds.
The second layer is fixed to the first for strength, the third layer is pierced
with stars, the fourth with circles, as are the fifth, sixth and seventh spheres.
The base is engraved with floral and geometric motifs above a scalloped border.
Sold
to Private Collection
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