Early 20th Century, Open Turned Wooden Sphere Canton Ball

A beautifully turned maplewood sphere containg a second star shaped sphere. Objects like these find their origins in the 16th century when the interest in science, mathematics and arts were widely spread trough the first bookprints. Originally only made by nobleman as part of their education the knowledge became more accescible. And by the late 18th and 19th century craftsmen were asked to make small models in complicated forms as proof of their acquired knowhow. These were called maitrises or mastertests. The term canton ball comes from the Asian versions which were made, often in ivory, for the European market during the 19th century. 12 cm diam x 15 cm high, Ref. 905