Chinese Shadow ball

Lloc	Xina
Timeline	19th century
Register	00867

Golden bronze dial, with very carefully made perforations that form geometric, plant and animal decorations, where bird figures are prominent. It opens in the middle, with a hook-shaped brooch, and has an articulated lid. Inside it holds a candle that is always kept upright, even if the sphere rotates or moves. This is achieved thanks to a system of rings resembling a gyroscope. Although this use is not documented, it is believed that this type of sphere, very similar to incense burners of the Eastern and Islamic tradition, were used to project images in a room in the dark. It seems that they were placed in the centre of the room or rolled on the floor and projected moving and changing images on the walls, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere.

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