Saddle Ornaments
1 of 6
Object Label
Liao metalwork under the Khitan rulers drew inspiration from the earlier Tang-dynasty artistic vocabulary, including the flying phoenixes chasing the flaming pearl on this saddle. This motif is also found in Buddhist art of the same period; when found in secular objects, it is associated with women of royal rank (a dragon motif would have adorned the saddles of royal men). The saddle is also inspired by the contemporary Song-dynasty taste for repoussé decoration and high-relief silver ornaments. Such gold and silver saddles have only been found in Khitan royal tombs. This is one of only two known examples of precious metal Liao saddle ornaments in the United States, although other examples are known in China.
Caption
Saddle Ornaments, 10th century. Silver, metalwork, a: 11 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (29.2 x 34.3 x 3.8 cm) b: 17 x 17 3/4 x 3 in. (43.2 x 45.1 x 7.6 cm) c: 7 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 1/2 in. (19.7 x 7 x 1.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Irving, 1990.72a-c. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.72a-c_edited_PS9.jpg)
Collection
Collection
Title
Saddle Ornaments
Date
10th century
Dynasty
Liao Dynasty
Period
Liao Dynasty
Geography
Place made: China
Medium
Silver, metalwork
Classification
Dimensions
a: 11 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (29.2 x 34.3 x 3.8 cm) b: 17 x 17 3/4 x 3 in. (43.2 x 45.1 x 7.6 cm) c: 7 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 1/2 in. (19.7 x 7 x 1.3 cm)
Credit Line
Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Irving
Accession Number
1990.72a-c
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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