Oboe in C

Unknown

1730–40 · ivory, brass · Musical Instruments

The quality, tone and forms of musical instruments are largely determined by the materials chosen for their construction. Elephant-tusk ivory, a particularly adaptable but exotic material, has long been employed in fashioning instrument of great value. Those shown here display a broad range of decorative styles and craft techniques, and illustrate the forms to which ivory best lends itself. Beautifully decorated instruments of ivory and other precious materials can be seen throughout these galleries.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1730–40

Medium

ivory, brass

Culture

German

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889