Gold and Silver Bridle and Breastplate, Central Asia

Project Details

Gold and Silver Bridle and Breastplate, Central Asia

17th-18th Century

Bridle Height: 54 cm.

Bridle Width: 23.5 cm.

Breastplate Height: 88 cm.

Breastplate Width: 22 cm.

The bridle morocco lined with red silk, the brow-band, head and cheek-pieces faced with interlocking 23 karat gold and silver plaques; lined with the order of two silver, one gold plaque; each cast with lines on both sides, the neck-band and its attachment to the brow-band decorated with gold roundels and a gold plaque at the top decorated with a flower head and a roundel in its centre, the throat-latch of braided silk and metallic thread.

The breastplate morocco lined with red silk, decorated with interlocking 23 karat gold and silver plaques; lined with the order of two silver, one gold plaque; each cast with lines on both sides, the chest end decorated with a gold boss, the neck end decorated with a gold medallion; the section covering the lower part chest also decorated with interlocking gold and silver plaques.

The present bridle and breastplate belong to a small group of 17^th – 18^th century central Asian bridles and breastplates that have survived to this day.

Horses have a crucial place in the culture and history of central Asia. Processions and ceremonies with dignitaries on horseback were famed for their sumptuous display of power and prestige. The rich decoration of a horse reflected his owner’s status, might and wealth. They also played an important propaganda role, allowing the public to see the members of the ruling class in person, preceded and flanked by court officials and soldiers.

Horse trappings adorned with silver and gold, like the present bridle and breastplate, played an important role in creating the ideal image of rulers and members of the ruling class. This ruler/commander/warrior image was based the ideal of ‘sahib sayf wa’l qalam’ (the master of sword and pen) which represented the ideal ruler who was both a great warrior and had wisdom. For further information about the historical and cultural background and use of bridles and breastplates and other horse trappings please see, Furusiyya – The Horse in the Art of the Near East, Ed. David Alexander, King Abdulaziz Public Library, Riyadh, 1996.

The use of 23 karat gold attests the great value in which this bridle and chest piece were held and indicates that they were most probably produced for a member of the ruling elite.

A related central Asian bridle, decorated with silver -albeit without gold- is in the British Museum (Museum Number As1973,09.167). See the link, https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_As1973-09-167

XRF ANALYSIS OF GOLD FROM THE BRIDLE AND THE BREASTPLATE

Bridle

Gold on the bridle is verified as 93% gold, around 19 – 23 karat.

Gold Link – Verified from 93% Gold purity: 19 – 23 Karat Gold matched.

Breastplate

Gold on the chest piece is verified as 95% gold, around 23 karat.

Small Boss – Verified 95% Gold purity and 23 Karat Gold.

PROVENANCE

Ex-Newbattle Abbey College Collection. Given by 11^th Marquess of Lothian to the Newbattle Abbey College when the Newbattle Abbey estate was converted into Newbattle Abbey College in 1937.
Ex-Collection of the Marquess of Lothian, The Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian.

Categories: Metalwork & Woodwork
Credits: Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian, Scotland, probably acquired in the 19th century.

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Gold and Silver Bridle and Breastplate, Central Asia

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