Qing Chinese/Tibet Saddle Carved Lacquered Wood Mother of Pearl Inlay

  

The elaborately adorned saddle is created from hand-carved wood, lacquer, iron, leather, ray, or shark skin, with an inlay of mother of pearl and ox bone. This very ornate example dates to the 18th or early 19th century. There are several similar examples, many far less ornate, held and displayed in Chinese museum collections. An almost identical example is held by The Tibet Museum, China, and can be found by searching online. Saddles with this type of workmanship and inlay could be found in caravans of prosperous horse drivers along the Ancient Tea Horse Road or Chamagudao, often called the Southern Silk Road, The Ancient Tea and Horse Road was a network of caravan paths that wound through the mountainous regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet.

Beginning in the Tang dynasty the trade of Chinese tea for Tibetan ponies was an integral part of China defending itself against warring nomads in its northern provinces. The saddle measures approximately 19" x 12" x 15. There are several repair staples and other evidence of mending as pictured.

Please see the photos for further information regarding the item and its condition. This is a beautiful, well-made display piece that was in service for several centuries.

It is not suitable for riding.