Artwork
Saddle
Artist
Unknown
DepartmentAsian Art
CultureChinese
Dateca. 907-1125
MediumPainted wood
Dimensionsh. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
w. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
w. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Lenora and Walter F. Brown
Object number2013.38.248
GeographyPlace madeChina
General regionAsia
DescriptionA saddle with compound tree in wood and with applied silver sheet, both front and back arch with pairs of confronted phoenix separated by a flaming pearl, the side bars are decorated front and back with a carved peonies and foliage and the pierced slit apertures are carved to represent Gorgon masks, traces of black and green lacquer remaining.Label TextThis saddle, once covered in black lacquer, is a rare example representing the nomadic lifestyle of the Khitan, who founded the Liao dynasty. The pommel and cantle are decorated with silver appliques of two phoenixes confronting a flaming pear in the middle; the side panels are embellished with copper appliques of lotus flowers. This saddle must have been treasured by its owner as it was included in the tomb for the afterlife, pointing to the direction of the tomb occupant’s birthplace.On view
Collections
Culture: Mongolian
ca. 1922-1923
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
