Pendant of concentric balls, carved ivory, China, Daoguang reign period (1821-1850), 1820-1850

Ivory pendant of concentric balls, surmounted by a group in high relief, over which is a circular canopy with hook for suspension; the whole elaborately pierced and wrought with figures, flowers, and diaper patterns.

Purchased from Mrs. Taylor, accessioned in 1872. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Purchased from Mrs Taylor for £17 in 1872.

Sets of concentric ivory balls were and remain one of the most fascinating products of the trade in decorative items. This 19th century example was produced for the European market. Such highly decorative item was not a significant form in Chinese interiors, although Chinese writers mentioned them, calling them 'devilwork spheres'. This example consists of 18 concentric layers of ivory, all of them movable. There is no great mystery about how they were made, and one of several clear descriptions can be found in S. Wells Williams' 'The Chinese Commercial Guide' of 1863.;;

This 19th-century example of concentric ivory balls was produced for the European market. It consists of 18 concentric layers of ivory, all of them movable. Such a highly decorative item was not a significant form in Chinese interiors, although Chinese writers mention them, calling them 'devil-work spheres'.

Sets of concentric ivory balls were and remain one of the most fascinating products of the trade in decorative items. There neither is nor was any great mystery about how these ivory balls were made as several clear descriptions are available.

380:1, 2-1872