Crystal Ball on a Silver Stand composed of Three Figures

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 18th-century Chinese, *Crystal Ball on a Silver composed of Three Figures*, the masterful hardstone carving traditions of the Qing dynasty.ed from lustrous rock crystal—a clear quartz prized for its purity and optical clarity—the perfectly spherical orb, just 2 9/16 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter, atop an intricately wrought silver stand formed by three diminutive male figures. These figures, likely representing attendants or guardians, interlock in dynamic poses, their detailed robes and features highlighting the silversmith's skill in capturing movement and texture on a miniature...