Saddle Rug
This is a good example of an Inner Mongolian under saddle rug of a type that was widely used in Tibet. It is notable for its attractive design, vibrant colors, and good condition. It appears to have come from the Baotou-Suiyuan area, a renowned rug making center in Inner Mongolia.
This is an oblong under saddle rug that narrows towards the middle and has rounded ends. It is made of two symmetrical halves stitched together at the center. There are four lined rectangular holes for double girth straps, two on either side of the center. The symmetrical design of the main field features a central fretwork medallion with two floral sprigs above and below. The main field is surrounded by a narrow dotted inner border and a wider outer border filled with stylized auspicious symbols and floral blossoms. The field is light red, the borders dark blue and the designs yellowish green, light blue, white and violet. The border is notched slightly on one side to indicate the side of the rug that should face the rear of the horse. The rug has machine-made cotton warp yarns, cotton wefts (probably hand spun) and a knotted wool pile. Based on color and fading pattern, some of the dyes appear to be synthetic, which is appropriate for this period.
This is an oblong under saddle rug that narrows towards the middle and has rounded ends. It is made of two symmetrical halves stitched together at the center. There are four lined rectangular holes for double girth straps, two on either side of the center. The symmetrical design of the main field features a central fretwork medallion with two floral sprigs above and below. The main field is surrounded by a narrow dotted inner border and a wider outer border filled with stylized auspicious symbols and floral blossoms. The field is light red, the borders dark blue and the designs yellowish green, light blue, white and violet. The border is notched slightly on one side to indicate the side of the rug that should face the rear of the horse. The rug has machine-made cotton warp yarns, cotton wefts (probably hand spun) and a knotted wool pile. Based on color and fading pattern, some of the dyes appear to be synthetic, which is appropriate for this period.
Artwork Details
- Title: Saddle Rug
- Date: late 19th century
- Geography: probably Baotou, Inner Mongolia
- Culture: Inner Mongolian, probably Baotou
- Medium: Wool, cotton
- Dimensions: 52 1/2 x 26 in. (133.4 x 66 cm)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, by exchange, 2014
- Object Number: 2014.75
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.