Carved Horns Appraisal

Pair of Carved Decorative Natural Horns with Dragon Motif

This appears to be a pair of large, elaborately carved and polished natural horn decorative pieces, likely from bovine horns due to their size and curvature. Each horn has a distinct, deep brown, semi-translucent coloration, showing natural variations and striations, particularly towards the wider base where it transitions to lighter, mottled tones. The surface of the horns is highly polished, reflecting light, and appears smooth. Each horn rests on a separate, flat, oval-shaped wooden base, stained a reddish-brown, providing stability. The most striking feature is the extensive, finely detailed low-relief carving that covers a significant portion of both horns. The carving depicts mythical creatures, specifically what appear to be dragons or similar serpentine beasts, rendered in a traditional East Asian artistic style. The carved areas are a lighter, almost off-white color, providing a strong contrast against the darker horn, suggesting the design was etched or scrimshawed into the horn's surface. The craftsmanship is evident in the intricate scales, flowing lines, and dynamic poses of the creatures. There are no immediately visible signs of significant damage such as cracks or chips, and the polish seems well-maintained, indicating good overall condition. No obvious maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the image. Based on the style of carving and material, these pieces likely date from the mid-to-late 20th century, possibly earlier, and showcase a high level of artisanal skill.