Aguanga Sunshine Imports

ASK FOR A PHOTO Pictured to the right is the bottom (base or stand) of a synthetic figurine. When viewing the entire figure on the stand, the base appears to be black lacquer, but is actually a synthetic often referred to as ivorine, resin & bone compound, Hong Kong ivory, mandarin ivory and a number of others.
DON'T BE FOOLED...although REAL ivory was NEVER attached to synthetic bases, MANY synthetic pieces were attached to wood bases or stands. This is especially found in European replicas made in 1900's. 
If in doubt, ask for a close-up photo!

Pictured above is a synthetic puzzle ball created in the mid 1900's. A smooth, even carving without any grains or cross-hatching patterns. These balls are often extremely glossy even in the cutout areas.
Next to it, on the upper right, is a synthetic ball carved in 2001.  Note the round, ball-like areas inside the crevices and holes. This is residue from the mold. These balls are not hand carved, they are processed.
The bottom ball on the right is elephant ivory from the early 1900's. It is interesting to note that most puzzle balls carved in the 1900's are not nearly as detailed on the inside layers as those carved in the 1500, 1600, 1700, and 1800's. Most older balls have a more defined pattern and some have a lacey filigree detail on the inner balls in place of the simplified dots and star patterns you see here.