Pages

▼

Monday, September 19, 2011

A Puzzling Situation

This week we are sharing a unique and (we hope) interesting post. It is a small collection of ivory puzzle balls. These amazing feats of skilled carving fascinate me!

Puzzle balls are made in China, usually of ivory, but sometimes jade, bone, or other materials are used. The ivory ones often come with a tall and elaborately carved stand.

To make the balls the sphere is first turned on a lathe and then conical holes are drilled toward the center. Layers are carved from the inside out. The more layers it has, the more intricate the piece. The largest can be over six inches in diameter and have over twenty balls inside! I just love the delicate and lacy look of the stand on this one.

Puzzle balls are very fragile and easily damaged. They are a tempting puzzle of trying to line up all the holes; but if you do try, use something soft and thin like a quill or a toothpick. This handsome guy was once a piece from a chess set. Wow! Imagine, it must have been fabulous!

 This is my latest find, and it’s incredible. 

Look closely! This one has eleven smaller carved  balls that are free moving on the outside layer! Way cool!

It takes very little force to damage the inner shells, and dropping them is usually fatal! So, one must use delicacy and patience to solve a puzzle ball. Since I have neither, I just look at mine, lol! 

Hope you enjoyed looking at them too!

Hugs,

Patti
at

87 comments:

  1. My name is RietSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:10 AM

    I have never seen these balls before but they look bautiful and intriging.
    Have a nice day

    ReplyDelete
  2. Scrappy Pink CornerSeptember 19, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    Wow. Love these pieces you have. When I first was married I had lots of the ivory pieces because I had decorated my home oriental. Now I have the more traditional and antique look, but my sister still has the pieces. I always think of taking them (because I love them), back but she is enjoying them now.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pati @ A Crafty EscapeSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    What stunning works of art, my daughter would love these! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️September 19, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    WOW! Your puzzle balls are amazing. They are beautiful works of art.

    Dee

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ann @ makethebestofthingsSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Holy smoke, those ivory balls are amazing. I love intricate carvings of any kind and the level of skill required to do this kind of art is amazing. You have a beautiful collection and from looking at your blog, a very good eye!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaSeptember 19, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    WOW!! these are so awesome I have never seen these before..thanks for sharing these girls..Have a GREAT day..hugs and smiles Gloria

    ReplyDelete
  7. TinaSeptember 19, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I haven't seen puzzle balls in a long time! My godmother had some but I wasn't allowed to touch them! Thank you for sharing.

    Visiting from Debbiedoos

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnnySeptember 19, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    How beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tablescapes By DianeSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Hi lovely lady.
    This Ivy ball is Gorgeous !! You have a bautiful collection..
    I would like to thank you so much for your sweet comments on my new black and white Tablescape. I hope you have a great week with your family.
    XXOO Diane

    ReplyDelete
  10. DebbiedoosSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Very unique! I love the vignette. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

    ReplyDelete
  11. lvroftiquesSeptember 19, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Boy howdy!! I have seen them and wondered what they were? Thank you for clairifying Patti! What a stunning collection you have! And so beautifully photographed too *winks* Vanna

    ReplyDelete
  12. Elle and LouSeptember 19, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I have never seen or heard of these before. Most fascinating! Lynda

    ReplyDelete
  13. Grammy GoodwillSeptember 19, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    They are gorgeous. Wherever did you find them?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just JaimeSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    They are really cool!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Rosemary@villabarnesSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I'm puzzled. Just kidding. I've always loved the craftsmanship of these. You have a beautiful collection. Great taste, and a great eye.

    ReplyDelete
  16. BabsSeptember 19, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Patti,
    Fabulous! Y'all find the most beautiful and unusual antiques. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sonny GSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    oh my Patty.. what beautiful unique pieces.. I know you must cherish those..

    ReplyDelete
  18. Red Rose AlleySeptember 19, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Those are so unique. It looks like a lot of detail went into making them. They also look so delicate. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story behind them.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gypsy HeartSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    How beautiful!! Very interesting too. I'm a new follower and I look forward to getting to know you two ladies. Stop by and say hi when you can!

    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  20. Our Hopeful HomeSeptember 20, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    I can honestly say that I've never heard of these mysterious, intriguing things! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing your collection and the history behind them. And thanks for linking up over at Club G.W. with Charm Bracele Diva!

    xoxo
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownSeptember 20, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    These are amazing, I've never seen anything like them. The craftmanship is stunning. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)September 20, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    I always enjoy my to visit your creative space. Thanks again for sharing another beautiful post.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

    ReplyDelete
  23. GailSeptember 20, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Thanks for sharing the delicate puzzle balls and their history.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Cottage and BroomeSeptember 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Beautiful!!! I have not run across theses balls before in my treasure hunting. What a great find. Laura Cottage and Broome

    ReplyDelete
  25. DIYbyDesignSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I've never seen anything like that before. It's really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing these unique works of art at my Sizzle into Summer party.

    ReplyDelete
  26. a quiet lifeSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    what an interesting post~

    ReplyDelete
  27. Barb September 20, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Hi....never seen these before but they do look interesting. I love the color...very pretty.

    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Wow these are amazing pieces of art and engineering!! The variety is amazing! They are truly lovely to look at and I think that if the person who made each one didn't have patience in the beginning of the project, they certainly must have attained patience by the time they finished!! Would you have any idea how long it would take someone to make one and do they still create these pieces?

    bee blessed
    mary

    ReplyDelete
  29. Custom ComfortsSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Those are so beautiful! I have never seen anything like that before. Where ever did you find such a sweet treasure?
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Daphne Nicole & Lynda CadeSeptember 20, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    OMG, all of your photos are gorgeous. I love your puzzles balls, their so pretty. This is my first time to ever see one, so thanks for sharing them!
    hugs~~~ Daphne

    ReplyDelete
  31. FRENCH LAUNDRYSeptember 21, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Wow! I've never seen these before. Thank you for sharing them.

    Happy White Wednesday,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  32. Castles Crowns and CottagesSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    HI PATTI!

    What a fabulous name for a blog! AND YOUR HEADER IS STUNNING....I SO LOVE IT and different from anything I have seen. YOUR WARES are magnificent! So you come over to me from Doré's blog? She is my sister in THEATRE making!

    MUCH LOVE AND THANKS for such a treat for my eyes this morning! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  33. LuluSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    You have introduced me to something new and incredibly beautiful. I'd put these lovelies in a ver secure place where nothing could happen to them.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Magali @ The Little White HouseSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    This is completely new to me... Very interesting and truly beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Inspired By JuneSeptember 21, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I would just be looking too, Patti! And thank you for opportunity to look at yours! Stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  36. MeMeSueSeptember 21, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    How stunning!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. ToniSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    I have seen this, never knew what they where called. Thanks for the bit of history. Great, unique collection.

    ReplyDelete
  38. ReviSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Hi Patti,

    Wow. I think I saw one of these years ago, and as intriguing as it was, it didn't hold a candle to your collection! They are lovely, and I should probably be kept 10 feet away at all times. :)

    Your comment over at Revisionary Life just made my day! Thank you so much for stopping by. I'm going to come back for a more in-depth visit tonight. For now, I'll start following!

    Many blessings,
    -Revi

    ReplyDelete
  39. ReviSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    Your photos are amazingly beautiful! And I love the vintage ones. I forgot to say that before.
    -Revi

    ReplyDelete
  40. KimMalkSeptember 21, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    What fantastic pieces of art. They are so beautiful and interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  41. ColoradoladySeptember 21, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    These are amazing. I have never seen one like this, but then if I had, I would not have known what it was! How interesting. Have a great VTT!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Teresa@1800 Farmhouse RdSeptember 21, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I have never seen anything like this before. They do look oh so delicate, and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageSeptember 21, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    You have some of THE most amazing collections I've ever seen! I thoroughly enjoy seeing and learning about them.

    Thanks for sharing your lovely items at Time Travel Thursday each week. I love having you join me.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    These are beautiful! What a phenom and treasure. I love them displayed there with the pearls - they go so well together.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Gayle Page-RobakSeptember 22, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    I have never seen a 'puzzle ball' before and thank you for sharing these beautifully exquisite art pieces. So elegant! Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  46. debSeptember 22, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    I've never seel these before. So ornate and gorgeous!! I think I'd just look at mine too!
    *hugs*Deb

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    I have never seen anything like them,they are beautiful and the time and work that has gone in to them is amazing,
    x

    ReplyDelete
  48. JacqueSeptember 22, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    WOW, I've never seen anything like that! How interesting!! I can't even imagine the SKILL required to make one of those. Your pieces are exquisite. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  49. KathySeptember 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Patti,
    This is very, very interesting! I have never seen nor heard of these - I can just imagine how fantastic they are - especially knowing how delicate they are - now on the lookout!
    Great job,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  50. EllenSeptember 22, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    I have never seen anything like this, I just love them.
    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous puzzle balls.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  51. LVSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Thank you for sharing such a fascinating and interesting post on these ivory balls. In all my years, never knew of such a thing. They are very unique.

    ReplyDelete
  52. An Oasis in the DesertSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    I'm amazed! I've never heard of these beauties before, & certainly have never seen one. They are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
    :) CAS

    ReplyDelete
  53. AnnSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    These balls are absolutely striking and intriguing. I've never even seen one in the fanciest antique stores, You have some fantastic examples. Never been to your blog but love it. I will now be a follower.
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  54. Joy@aVintageGreenSeptember 22, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Absolutely beautiful - the first time I have ever seen such a treasure. Thanks for sharing.
    - Joy

    ReplyDelete
  55. pamSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Serendipity Handmade + VintageSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Those are beautiful and amazing! So glad I stopped by to see them!

    ReplyDelete
  57. VintageGrammaSeptember 22, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Very interesting, indeed. I've never seen those before. I, myself, am a klutz, therefore I will stay very far away from your puzzle balls. They are beautiful and as my mother would say while strolling through the china departments "keep you hands in your pockets, and don't make any quick movements." Very cool!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ann JonesSeptember 22, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    Those are beautiful! Thanks for following my blog, following you back :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Debs DealzSeptember 22, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Hi Patti, Debs Dealz here to follow you back from your visit to my blog! I am so glad we connected, I love your site!!! I invite you to stop back over and link up to one of our daily hops, we would love to have you! Hop over and link up to Thankful Thursday (still open a couple more hrs), or the TGIF Blog hop!

    thanks again for stopping by, I look forward to keeping up with you!

    http://www.debsdealz.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Angi BarrsSeptember 22, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    Wow...these are super gorgeous. Love them all. And thank you so much for my prize. I received the gorgeous porcelain pitcher in the mail today. It is so beautiful. My mom is going to love this. Thank you again. Hugs. !!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Honey at 2805September 22, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    The puzzle balls are beautiful and delicate looking! I can't imagine what kind of skill level you must have to make one, much less solve one! Thanks for sharing!

    Thanks for linking to Potpourri Friday and helping to make it a success! I appreciate you, sweet friend!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Debra@CommonGroundSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    How amazing, I've never seen one of these! so intricate and very beautiful. So glad you shared these on VIF, xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  63. c. JoySeptember 23, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Yes, they are beautiful. But they make me 'nervous' - I can't help but look at them and be afraid they would easily break. It's amazing to me that one of those was/is a chess piece. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Curtains in My TreeSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    those are so interesting. where did you find them?

    that is old art for sure

    Janice

    ReplyDelete
  65. DiannSeptember 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    I have never seen these. They are beautiful and amazing! What detail! Thank you for joining TTF. Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  66. AtlantaSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Thank you for following Atlanta Military Mom! I am now following you as well! :)

    Mandy

    ReplyDelete
  67. vikkiSeptember 23, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    These are beautiful. I have never seen them before. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Upscale DownhomeSeptember 23, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Thank you for educating me about Chinese puzzle balls. They are absolutely fascinating! The craftsmanship is incredible and they are beautiful just to look at, too. Where do you find them?

    ReplyDelete
  69. At The Picket FenceSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    I have never seen anything like this but it doesn't surprise me at all that you would have something so amazing in your collection of treasures! :-) Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  70. MichelleSeptember 23, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Those are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  71. The Charm of HomeSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    What a fantastic collection. You two have the neatest things! Thank you for linking it up at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  72. Richard CottrellSeptember 24, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    What beautiful unique puzzles. I have had some in the past and sold them. They must have taken a lot of skill and a steady hand to make. You always have such fun things to share. Thanks for your trip to my chicken coop, Richard from My Old Historic House.

    ReplyDelete
  73. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Simply beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  74. PamelaSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    How very beautiful and interesting! Lovely having you visit for Treasure Hunt Thursday! See ya next week!:)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Sissie's Shabby CottageSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Hi Patti,
    What lovely and delicate works of art.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  76. SnapSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Marvelous post. I've always been fascinated by these amazing works of art. I can't imagine the time and skill it must have taken to carve them. I would be afraid to touch!

    ReplyDelete
  77. BohemianSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Magnificent pieces... I always marvel at the Artisan Skill necessary to create such Masterpieces of Art!

    Dawn... The Bohemian

    ReplyDelete
  78. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Those are beautiful! I've never seen one before. Hi! New follower from the FNF blog hop! I hope you'll follow back. Thanks! :)
    Through the Eyes of a Tiger

    ReplyDelete
  79. Ramblin MamaSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    How beautiful!!! I've never seen these before and I am fascinated! I found you through the blog hop and I'm glad I did. I love all your finds (I've been reading through quite of few of your recent posts.) I'm eagerly waiting to see what treasures you share next.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Cottage PanacheSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Amazing, I think that the only place I have ever seen puzzle balls was on the market streets in Hong Kong. Was much younger and passed them up, kicking myself now! Yours are gorgeous especial the one with the stars on the inside ball. Thanks for sharing!
    Maureen :)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Ann from On Sutton PlaceSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Really pretty and so interesting. I've never seen them before. Lovely post...and the linky party list is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  82. UnknownSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Cool!

    I'm a new follower from the FNF hop. Hope you can stop by www.mamasmusingsblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. The TablescaperSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    These are amazing. I have never seen anything like it. So glad you're sharing them with Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  84. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Wow! Those are amazing. Thank you for sharing :)
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  85. very merry vintage styleSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    These are really interesting. Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  86. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Patti, What unique and beautiful pieces! You have the most wonderful collection. Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  87. DoniSeptember 28, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Wow! I've never seen anything like that before, and here you have quite a gorgeous collection! They are absolutely wonderful! I love how you photographed them with the lacy background! Those should be featured in a magazine!!!
    Thanks so much for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday with your pretties! And good luck on the giveaway!
    Blessings, Doni

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.