Northwestern China, 916-1125. The gilt copper appliques shaped as dragons chasing the flaming jewel on the pommel as well as the cantle and as lotus flowers on the ledgers, on one side with blossoms in the form of pierced mythical beast masks. Published: Dr. Koos de Jong, Dragon & Horse. Saddle Rugs and Other Horse Tack from China and Beyond, Amsterdam - Hong Kong 2013, ill. 3.02, p. 35. Condition: Original, unrestored condition and very impressive considering the age of this saddle! Extensive losses to the lacquer only, along with cracks, scratches and other traces of use. The wood with age cracks and some small chips as well as a fine dark patina. The copper applications have lost much of the gilt and show small dents, dings, and a fine malachite green and copper red patina. Provenance: Formerly in an American private collection. Collection of Dr. Koos de Jong, acquired from the above in 2007. Dr. de Jong is a Dutch art historian and has been privately collecting Chinese art over decades. He has authored hundreds of articles and several books on Dutch fine and decorative arts spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern era. In 2013, he published an extensive study of Chinese riding gear in “Dragon & Horse, Saddle Rugs and Other Horse Tack from China and Beyond”. Between 1976 and 2009 he worked for numerous museums across the Netherlands and was the director of the European Ceramic Work Center in Den Bosch. Weight: 2.6 kg Dimensions: Length 49 cm It is extremely rare to find surviving Liao dynasty lacquered horse saddles, and the present example appears to be unique. The use of lacquer and copper decorations suggest it was made for a member of the elite, who enjoyed sophisticated tastes as well as high rank. With an associated metal stand. (2)
Northwestern China, 916-1125. The gilt copper appliques shaped as dragons chasing the flaming jewel on the pommel as well as the cantle and as lotus flowers on the ledgers, on one side with blossoms in the form of pierced mythical beast masks. Published: Dr. Koos de Jong, Dragon & Horse. Saddle Rugs and Other Horse Tack from China and Beyond, Amsterdam - Hong Kong 2013, ill. 3.02, p. 35. Condition: Original, unrestored condition and very impressive considering the age of this saddle! Extensive losses to the lacquer only, along with cracks, scratches and other traces of use. The wood with age cracks and some small chips as well as a fine dark patina. The copper applications have lost much of the gilt and show small dents, dings, and a fine malachite green and copper red patina. Provenance: Formerly in an American private collection. Collection of Dr. Koos de Jong, acquired from the above in 2007. Dr. de Jong is a Dutch art historian and has been privately collecting Chinese art over decades. He has authored hundreds of articles and several books on Dutch fine and decorative arts spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern era. In 2013, he published an extensive study of Chinese riding gear in “Dragon & Horse, Saddle Rugs and Other Horse Tack from China and Beyond”. Between 1976 and 2009 he worked for numerous museums across the Netherlands and was the director of the European Ceramic Work Center in Den Bosch. Weight: 2.6 kg Dimensions: Length 49 cm It is extremely rare to find surviving Liao dynasty lacquered horse saddles, and the present example appears to be unique. The use of lacquer and copper decorations suggest it was made for a member of the elite, who enjoyed sophisticated tastes as well as high rank. With an associated metal stand. (2)
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
