Ocarina

May 27 Ocarinas are a type of vessel flutes that have existed for thousands of years around the world (especially in East Asia and Mesoamerica). The design of the modern ocarina was created by an Italian artisan in the late 19th century. This black clay ocarina was made by Rudolf Teschner between 1878 and 1882, a time when he was one of the few if not the only ocarina maker in the United States.

Ocarina

Description (Brief): This ocarina was made by Rudolf Teschner in New York State, around 1878 to 1882, and sold by the J. Howard Foote Company in New York and Chicago. It is an ocarina made of black glazed pottery, with 8 fingerholes and 1 thumbhole. This instrument is stamped:; R TESCHNER; John Howard Foote (1833-1896) was a musical instrument dealer with shops in New York City and Chicago. This instrument is J. Howard Foote item #7204.
Location: Currently not on view

Data Source: National Museum of American History

date made: 1878 - 1882

Physical Description: pottery (overall material); paint (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 2 1/2 in x 6 3/4 in x 3 3/4 in; 6.35 cm x 17.145 cm x 9.525 cm

Object Name: ocarina

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