Indian Mughal Finely Carved Blonde Rhinoceros Horn and Ivory Back Scratcher (1700 to 1900 India)

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Rhinoceros Horn and Ivory

Rhinoceros horn has long been prized in India, Asia, Africa and Europe. The store of magical legends surrounding the horn grew to such an extent that the horn itself became credited with the power to make its owner or user immortal. In the Renaissance princely courts of Europe a cup made of rhinoceros horn was believed to be able to detect poison, in Africa, its use would confer power and status upon a Zulu chief, and in India it was regarded as a precious material reserved for the use of royalty and dignitaries.

An Indian Mughal Finely Carved Blonde Rhinoceros Horn and Ivory Back Scratcher
Late 18th – early 19th Century

Size: 46.5cm long – 18¼ ins long