Steer Horn Armchair

This armchair, crafted from steer horns, silk, brass, and upholstery, immediately catches the eye with its unusual construction. While furniture made from animal horns has a history rooted in 16th-century European hunting lodges, this particular example reflects a surge in popularity in America during the 1880s. It was a time when objects like this evoked the romanticism of the American West and its pioneering spirit, even as they incorporated innovative and exotic materials prized by the Aesthetic movement. The chair's lavish upholstery and relatively small size suggest it was likely intended for a parlor, offering a touch of the wild within a domestic setting. Its design playfully blends the ruggedness of the horns with refined Victorian taste.