Curb Bit

Unknown

second half 16th century; 19th century · Iron alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

According to equestrian manuals, this mouthpiece, with its rounded elements called melons, was designed to ‘disarm’ the lips (they remove the thick lips from the bars, the part of the horses’ jaw without teeth, so that the mouthpiece can keep contact with them). The bit, decorated with chiseled vegetal and grotesque Renaissance designs, would have been used during parades or luxurious equestrian games. It would have been combined with a richly decorated horse tack, possibly displaying similar ornaments. Though the mouthpiece, the chain between the shanks, and the swivel rein rings, may incorporate some old elements, they are modern replacements.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 16th century; 19th century

Medium

Iron alloy, gold

Culture

North Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Alan Rutherfurd Stuyvesant, 1951