A Chinese export carved puzzle ball and stand, likely produced in Canton during the late Qing Dynasty or early Republic period. The object features a multi-layered mystery ball with an intricately carved outer sphere depicting dragons amidst clouds and floral motifs. The interior contains several concentric, independently rotating spheres, each with geometric openwork piercing. The ball rests on a pedestal stand supported by three elephants standing on their hind legs with trunks raised. The elephants are positioned on a turned pillar above a circular base featuring a flared, serrated edge and incised geometric cross-hatching and triangular patterns. No maker’s marks or reign marks are visible on the exterior or the underside of the base.
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