Right Half of a Cantle Plate from a Saddle

Right Half of a Cantle Plate from a Saddle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Right Half of a Cantle Plate from a SaddleRight Half of a Cantle Plate from a SaddleRight Half of a Cantle Plate from a SaddleRight Half of a Cantle Plate from a SaddleRight Half of a Cantle Plate from a Saddle

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.