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Saddle (gser sga)

15th–17th century
Not on view
This saddle is remarkable for the quality and extent of its pierced and chiseled decoration, particularly the figural masks worked in low relief in the center of the pommel and cantle plates. These masks are more artistically accomplished and on a larger scale than virtually any other known examples of low-relief ironwork from Tibet or China. The chiseling of the scrollwork is equal to that found on other high-quality Tibetan iron objects, such as cup cases and the fittings for doors of large temples or monasteries, and it compares closely to the pierced ironwork found on the best Tibetan saddles and bridles.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saddle (gser sga)
  • Date: 15th–17th century
  • Culture: Tibetan
  • Medium: Iron, gold, copper, wood, leather
  • Dimensions: H. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm); L. 23 3/8 in. (59.4 cm); W. 15 1/4 in. (38.7 cm)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Saddles
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2002
  • Object Number: 2002.225
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Pair of Stirrups (<i>yob</i>), Iron, gold, silver, Tibetan or Mongolian
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Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense), Iron, leather, gold, silver, brass or copper alloy, textile, Tibetan or Mongolian
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
Tibetan or Mongolian
late 15th–early 17th century
Saddle (gser sga) Made for Yuthok Tashi Dundrup (g.yu thog bkra shis don grub, 1906–1983), Copper alloy, iron, gold, turquoise, wood, leather, textile (silk, cotton), Tibetan, Derge
Saddle (gser sga) Made for Yuthok Tashi Dundrup (g.yu thog bkra shis don grub, 1906–1983)
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ca. 1943–47
Sword (Ral gri), Iron, steel, gold, silver, Tibetan or Chinese
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Equestrian Equipment Made for Yuthok Tashi Dundrup (g.yu thog bkra shis don grub, 1906–1983), Copper alloy, iron, gold, turquoise, wood, leather, textile, Tibetan, Derge
Equestrian Equipment Made for Yuthok Tashi Dundrup (g.yu thog bkra shis don grub, 1906–1983)
Tibetan, Derge
ca. 1943–47

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