A Korean saddle

Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), 18th/19th century

Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), 18th/19th century
Wood, leather, and iron with silver overlay, comprising seat, pommel, and cantle; the components of the seat held together with leather thongs and drilled with holes for attaching the seat cushion and accessories, the section in front of the pommel drilled with holes for the reins, the pommel edged with iron strips and with a flower-shaped decoration to the front, the iron with motifs in silver overlay. 24.8cm x 43.2cm x 35cm (9¾in x 17in x 13¾in).

For a saddle of similar construction in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv.no.36.25.577a–c, see https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31907; it is described online as 'Mongol or Korean' but the silver decoration suggests a Korean origin for the present lot.