Bit and Bridle

Unknown

15th–17th century · Leather, iron, gold · Arms and Armor

This superb bridle is one of the most complete and complex examples known. It is decorated with an elaborate series of pierced and chiseled iron fittings damascened in gold. To add to the appearance of depth, behind much of the pierced scrollwork there is a secondary ground, which is made of a shaped plate of dark iron damascened in gold with wave patterns.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th–17th century

Medium

Leather, iron, gold

Culture

Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, by exchange, 1998