Estate-found traditional Asian medical instrument consisting of a curved translucent horn body with a permanently attached narrow hollow tube, together with a fitted bamboo storage/carrying case.
The form appears consistent with a traditional Chinese medicinal powder blowing tube or insufflator, sometimes referred to as a 吹药管 / 吹喉管, used to direct finely powdered medicine toward the throat, nose, or other affected area.
The main body appears to be natural animal horn, showing amber translucency and natural internal variation when held to light. The narrow tube is permanently fitted and has not been removed. The instrument measures approximately 6–6½ inches long; please refer to the ruler photographs for exact scale.
The accompanying bamboo case appears purpose-made for the instrument. It has an open end, a closed/fitted opposite end, and cord wrapping around the exterior.
Age/origin: Believed to be Chinese and potentially late 19th to early 20th century / late Qing to Republic period, approximately c. 1890–1930. This dating and identification are based on construction, form, materials, and comparison with historic medical instruments and are not guaranteed. No maker’s mark or provenance establishing an exact date has been found.
Condition: Estate condition with age-related wear and patina. Bamboo case has longitudinal drying cracks/splits, particularly around the ends. Cord shows wear and may or may not be original. Horn body has normal surface wear and minor marks. Narrow tube is firmly attached and has not been forced or removed. Interior has not been cleaned in order to preserve the object as found. Please examine all photographs carefully.
Sold strictly as an antique/collectible display object. Not cleaned, tested, or intended for modern medical use.
An unusual piece of Chinese medical history and an interesting addition to a collection of traditional medicine, apothecary, ethnographic, Chinese, or Asian antiques.
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