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Saddle
OriginTibet or Mongolia
Date18th - 19th century
Dimensions13 × 26 1/2 × 14 1/2 in. (variable)
Mediumwood, iron with gilding/silver plating, cloth, silk, leather, pigment
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of the Family of Leon J. Weil
Object numberC2013.13
DescriptionSuch richly decorated saddles were public displays of status throughout the Himalayas, especially in Tibetan and Mongolian cultures where horses played such a prominent role, much as a luxury car does today. The richly decorated face plates on this saddle are made from thick iron, deeply chiseled and pierced, and gilt with a technique known in the West as damascening. The primary motif is long, thin scrollwork framing a pair of four-toed dragons that face a flaming jewel, the most popular motif used to decorate saddles. The cover is decorated with a lotus motif surrounded by smaller roundels with the Chinese character for long life. The wear of the silk saddle cloth reveals its construction, including the use of wool bunting beneath.14th century
19th century (?)
11th century
18th century
19th century
First half of the 15th century
19th century
16th century
late 19th century
18th century
15th century
1403-1424