The QiYi Kong Ming Lock Ball is the spherical version within the Kong Ming Lock series. It takes the idea of the traditional Chinese locks, in which several pieces hold each other without glue or screws, and translates it to a round shape that is comfortable to hold in the hand and visually different from the usual cubic burr puzzles.

The approach is the same as in the rest of the family: you have to separate the pieces following the order that the design allows and then retrace the process in the opposite direction to return to the initial state. The curvature introduces an extra layer of difficulty compared to classic burr puzzles, because visual references are not as direct as in a cubic figure and it forces you to rotate the whole to understand the relationship between pieces well.

QiYi keeps here the usual care in moulding. The pieces fit firmly, the whole feels compact and the finish is clean, without annoying edges. Being spherical, it rests well on a small stand or on a flat surface as a decorative object between solves, and gives quite some play as a piece on a shelf alongside other puzzles.

It is an interesting option to complete a Kong Ming Lock collection, as a curious gift or as a puzzle to work on patience and observation in spare moments. It is more enjoyable if you have already tried other variants of the series, because the interlocking logic is better understood when you know the general style of these puzzles.

As a small recommendation, it is worth approaching the first disassembly on a clear surface and keeping the order in which the pieces come out. It is the best way to learn the mechanism without getting frustrated with the reassembly. Once internalised, the sphere can be rebuilt with almost no doubts.

• QiYi Kong Ming Lock in spherical format
• Traditional Chinese lock-type puzzle
• Pieces with firm fit and clean finish
• Comfortable to hold with one hand
• Suitable as a decorative piece between solves

• QiYi Kong Ming Lock series
• Spherical shape
• Lock-type puzzle
• Disassemble and reassemble
• Careful moulding typical of QiYi