This set of saddle fittings is a superb example of Sino-Tibetan decorative ironwork. It consists of seven panels (three of which are illustrated here), made to be mounted on a wooden frame. Each panel is delicately chiseled with a complex pattern of sinuously undulating dragons set amidst filigree scrolls. The dragons and the scrolls were chiseled from the same relatively thick (5 mm) piece of iron, allowing the artist the depth necessary to interweave low and high relief throughout. In a virtuoso display of iron carving, the dragons are fully undercut, so that they are held by, yet are entirely separated from, the surrounding scrolls. The iron ground was minutely crosshatched in preparation for a thin layer of gold foil, which covers the surface in a technique known as damascening. Interspersed among the dragons are lotus blossoms of polished turquoise. In the center of the pommel and the cantle dragons flank the flaming Precious Jewel (norbu rinpoche), an important Buddhist symbol, also set in turquoise. The rich interplay of gold and turquoise is further enhanced by rows of lapis lazuli, which frame the outer edges of each panel.