Right Half of a Cantle Plate from a Saddle

Unknown

16th–18th century · Iron, gold, silver · Arms and Armor

This plate comes from the right half of the cantle, or back rim, of what must have been an extremely luxurious ceremonial saddle, either made in Tibet or in China for the Tibetan market. Its iron ground is intricately pierced, chiseled, and damascened overall in gold and silver. The fineness and complexity of the workmanship, particularly on the scrollwork interspersed with dragons, are particularly noteworthy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–18th century

Medium

Iron, gold, silver

Culture

Tibetan or Chinese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2008