Drinking Horn

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-drinking vessels

Culturepossibly Miao

Culturepossibly Yao

Date19th Century

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumBuffalo horn, pigments, silver powder and fiber

Dimensions6 1/2 × 15 7/8 × 2 5/8 in. (16.5 × 40.3 × 6.7 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2020.8.20

DescriptionThis polychrome lacquered horn was used as a wine horn during Miao and Yao festivals and celebrations like weddings. Common practice was for two of these horns to hang by the doorway of a host’s home. When a guest entered, both the host and the guest would each drink a horn of rice wine. These horns were most often made from water buffalo horn and then either carved or painted, but sometimes they were instead made from silver using the traditional techniques. The designs are commonly sectioned as seen here. Plants, the dragon and the phoenix are all characteristic Miao motifs, along with scenes of Miao life seen near the mouth of the horn.

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