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Bow Case, Quiver, and Belt (gzhu shubs dang mda' shubs)

15th–17th century
Not on view
Matching sets of bow case, quiver, and belt of this relatively early type are very rare. The few examples that exist in museum collections were acquired mostly in the early twentieth century. Both the bow case and the quiver are covered densely with decoration executed in black lines and golden brown shellac (now darkened with age), employing a method very similar to the technique found on some Tibetan leather arm defenses and horse armor. They are also fitted with domed bosses of pierced and chiseled iron damascened with gold and decorated with dragons, scrollwork, and blossoms. These bosses relate closely to the ironwork seen on Tibetan swords, saddle plates, and other objects.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bow Case, Quiver, and Belt (gzhu shubs dang mda' shubs)
  • Date: 15th–17th century
  • Culture: Tibetan or Mongolian
  • Medium: Leather, shellac, pigment, wood, iron, gold
  • Dimensions: Bow case; L. 25 in. (63.5 cm) W. 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm); quiver; L. 20 in. (50.8 cm) W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); belt; L. 50 3/4 in. (128.9 cm) W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
  • Classification: Archery Equipment-Bows
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2003
  • Object Number: 2003.344a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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late 15th–early 17th century
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Bow Case and Quiver
Tibetan or Chinese
19th century

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