Saddle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This saddle is the only known Ottoman example of its type. The use of pierced leather decoration appliquéd on different colored grounds occurs on a small number of Ottoman objects––bow cases and quivers, canteens––of the sixteenth century. It appears that all of them were made for high-ranking officers.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art