A Tibetan Parcel-Gilt and Articulated Iron-Mounted Belt or Trapping, 18th/19th Century or Earlier

18th/19th Century or Earlier

The braided belt mounted with three pierced and articulated (Loukong (鏤空 ) parcel gilt and patinated iron "Dragon" roundels and a similar shaped end panel, a smaller braided element mounted with a reticulated element and three worked bosses, underside with iron loop and red fabric lining.

Note:
Such pierced and articulated fittings were produced in Tibet from at least the 17th/18th century, if not earlier. The present mounts are notable for their fine quality, the degree of depth of the carvings, and the nature of the gilding. In addition, the moving dragons among the scrollwork are evidence of a highly skilled artisan. Such workmanship would have adorned horse trappings, saddles, belts, and weapons for patrons of high status. For a less elaborate crupper fitting of similar form to the end panels of the present belt, see the Eastern Tibetan piece dated to the 17th/18th century in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, #2001.182. Compare also the treatment of the dragon and scrollwork on the front panel of a saddle ascribed to Eastern Tibet or Chinese for the Tibetan market, dated to the 17th/18th century #1997.214.1

Overall length approximately 38 in., 96.6 cm.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Acquired by the present owner from a Tibetan collector in New York, circa 1985.

来源：

约1985年购自纽约藏傳藏家。