Pair of Neck Defenses (Crinet) and Breast Defense (Peytral) from a Horse Armor

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These three pieces are remarkable for their excellent state of preservation, and rank among the most elaborately decorated examples of Tibetan leather horse armor known. The vivid decoration consists of repeating patterns of stylized lotus, peony, and other blossoms in gold, set against alternating reddish orange, black, and maroon grounds. The lacquerlike effect appears to consist of a base layer or layers of pigmented shellac, the gold floral designs in gold leaf, a layer of shellac over the gold leaf upon which the details were painted in fine black lines, and a final coat or coatings of a tung oil glaze. In addition to their elaborate decoration and fine workmanship, these pieces are very strongly made and would have been fully functional as defensive armor. They, and the few examples like them, represent a high point not only in Tibetan armor making but also in Tibetan leatherwork of any kind. Carbon 14 tests on these pieces resulted in a date range of 1435 to 1665.

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