An Oklahoma man who started collecting in the 1970s bought rhinoceros horn libation cups because he liked them. A visit to the Antiques Roadshow proved he had a winner. A group of five of the man’s carved horn cups were estimated at $1 million to $1.5 million, a record for the TV show. The Chinese cups date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Rhinoceros horn was considered an aphrodisiac, but it is not. It was used in Chinese medicine to treat fever, high blood pressure, and other ailments. Ground horn sells for thousands of dollars a pound, but it is illegal to kill rhinos.
Photo: Antiques Roadshow/Pbs.org
I am wondering how you can tell the difference between Rhino & Elephant horn??
I have a piece that I think is “Horn” but not sure from what, it was brought back from Japan in the late 50’s and is a Sampan / Junk, it is brownish in color but the color varies in different spots. It also has paddles that are almost a caramel color.
I don’t have a picture so it is hard for anyone to guess.I know for sure they aren’t worth $1 million! That blows me away!