EARTHENWARE / DRINKING HORN, Three Kingdoms Period（18BCE–660CE）

This is a ceramic drinking horn from the Three Kingdoms Period (5th to 6th century) of the Korean Peninsula.

The drinking horn, modeled after animal horns, is believed to have been one of the ritual vessels used by ancient peoples. Originally crafted from actual animal horns, these vessels were later imitated in pottery and metal.

This particular piece is made of ceramic and features a gracefully curved shape. The body of the horn strongly curves inward from the midpoint, culminating in a sharp tip. Such drinking horns are thought to have played a significant role in rituals and ceremonies, likely being used similarly to a jug.

Excavations from ancient tombs in the Korean Peninsula have revealed stands designed for these drinking horns, with notable finds including bronze and lacquered drinking horns from royal tombs in Gyeongju. In the 5th century, a drinking horn believed to have been used in rituals was unearthed from the Nanyama No. 4 tomb in Kashihara City, which is thought to have originated from the Gaya region of the Korean Peninsula.

The cultural influence of immigrants is evident, as drinking horns were utilized across Japan as important ritual implements, underscoring their significant role in ceremonial practices.