Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
Chinese
Ivory ball (象牙球) (19th century-early 20th century)
ivory
49.0 × 11.0 cm diameter
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of John H. Connell, 1917
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Where possible, the image must be reproduced in full (no cropping or over-printing). If you wish to use a detail of the work, a full reproduction of the work must also be reproduced elsewhere in the publication.
While the NGV believes this work to be in the Public Domain, it is the responsibility of the publisher to ensure that no further permissions are required for use.
For a complete list of terms and condition of use see the National Gallery of Victoria’s copyright policy.
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.