Oboe in C. Culture: German. Dimensions: L.: 570 mm (22.44 in.); Diam. of bell: 57 mm (2.24 in.); Upper Section: 231 mm (9.09 in.). Date: 1730-40.The quality, tone and forms of musical instruments are largely determined by the materials chosen for their construction. Elephant-tusk ivory, a particularly adaptable but exotic material, has long been employed in fashioning instrument of great value. Those shown here display a broad range of decorative styles and craft techniques, and illustrate the forms to which ivory best lends itself. Beautifully decorated instruments of ivory and other precious materials can be seen throughout these galleries. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.