CIRCA: 1900 / early 1900’s
A Tibetan wooden saddle with shargreen (the skin from a shark or stingray) decorating the front and back face ‘panels’ and lower flat surfaces at either end. The rich grained wood has a beautiful patina, and although the metal edgings have worn with age and use, a running yungdrung (lucky swastika) can still be seen finely engraved on the metal edging and the ‘decorative panels’ super-imposed on the shargreen at front and back. Made circa 1900 / the first quarter 1900’s, the length is 49cm x 36cm width 27cm height. A splendid example of an everyday* Tibetan wooden saddle exhibiting the exceptional wood-craftsmanship aesthetic of the maker, it is in a very good and solid condition, especially for its age, and has a lustrous patina on the wooden surfaces. It could be displayed as a stand alone item, or if you are a collector of Tibetan saddle carpets this would be the perfect accompaniment for displaying them. (Note: This saddle is in original condition and has not been lacquered or varnished as some examples have.)
*A more elaborate gilted version can be seen on this page https://warpandweft.club/saddle-carpet-shapes/
For more on Tibetan saddles, and some exquisite examples, see the book ‘Warriors Of The Himalayas. Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet’ by Donald LaRocca.