Saddle Rug

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is a good example of an Inner Mongolian under saddle rug of a type that was widely used in Tibet. It is notable for its attractive design, vibrant colors, and good condition. It appears to have come from the Baotou-Suiyuan area, a renowned rug making center in Inner Mongolia. This is an oblong under saddle rug that narrows towards the middle and has rounded ends. It is made of two symmetrical halves stitched together at the center. There are four lined rectangular holes for double girth straps, two on either side of the center. The symmetrical design of the main field features a central fretwork medallion with two floral sprigs above and below. The main field is surrounded by a narrow dotted inner border and a wider outer border filled with stylized auspicious symbols and floral blossoms. The field is light red, the borders dark blue and the designs yellowish green, light blue, white and violet. The border is notched slightly on one side to indicate the side of the rug that should face the rear of the horse. The rug has machine-made cotton warp yarns, cotton wefts (probably hand spun) and a knotted wool pile. Based on color and fading pattern, some of the dyes appear to be synthetic, which is appropriate for this period.

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