Ancient 5-Layer Chinese Dragon Puzzle Ball with Stand

Ivory puzzle balls, also known as Chinese puzzle balls or devil's work balls, have a rich and fascinating history. These intricate artifacts originated in China, particularly in the Guangdong province, with the earliest mentions dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). The craft reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), when these puzzle balls became popular as luxury export items.

The name "devil's work ball" comes from the Chinese idiom "guǐ gōng qiú," which translates to "the demon's axe paired with the deity's workmanship," emphasizing the intricate and delicate nature of the craft. The puzzle balls were traditionally made of ivory, but following the international ban on the ivory trade, artisans have experimented with other materials such as bone.

These puzzle balls consist of multiple nested spheres, each carved from a single piece of ivory. The outermost layer often features detailed designs, such as dragons or floral motifs, while the inner layers are simpler but still highly intricate. The craftsmanship involved in creating these objects is truly remarkable, requiring exceptional skill and patience.