carved ivory shou k'ou sphere
from 1947 appraisal "Ivory carved in the shape of an openwork globe with sixteen concentric spheres, carved one inside the other, each capable of rotation within the outer sphere." "The ball is is supported by a standard held by Shou Sheng". The sphere is approximately 3.5 inches across and on the stand is about 16 inches tall. Have documentation of my father buying this piece in Manila, 1947, from the manifest of the ship he served on in the Navy. From the 1947 appraisal it would now be about 150 years old.
My father purchased the piece in 1947 while serving in the US Navy. It has never been displayed or exhibited but was kept in the original box in a closet. I inherited this when my brother died in February.
Inherited
Maybe
Hello!
I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal.
Considering the photos, this item is:
A Chinese Ivory Puzzle Ball and stand that dates circa 19th century. This concentric pierced ball carved with scrolling rose sprays, containing balls pierce with a geometric pattern, the stand carved with a Shou Sheng base (the God of Longevity).
Period: circa 19th century.
Provenance: Handmade in Canton, Kuantung province.
Acquired: at an Auction House in 1947 (proof)
Height and length: Aprox 16 inches.
Weight: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Condition: Very good condition / excellent - it appears the base was carved later than the puzzle ball.
Material: Ceylon Ivory.
Estimated price: This piece has an estimated price of $1000 - 2000
