A Timurid set of silver-gilt horse trappings, Persia, 15th century

inscriptions

In the long cartouche:

al-'izz al-da'im wa al-iqbal

'Perpetual glory and prosperity'

In the smaller panels:

al-'izz al-da'im 

'Perpetual glory'

al-izza fi-'illah 

‘Glory is in God'

The use of ornamental horse fittings was common practice throughout the Islamic period and a striking testament to the status and significance given to horses. The material and quality of decoration of these silver-gilt fittings suggest that they are likely to have been produced for a high ranking official or possibly an individual of royal status. They would have been used to embellish the bridle, saddle or harness around the body of the horse. A large set of silver gilt horse trappings, probably from Persia dating to the thirteenth century, are in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection, see D. Alexander, The Arts of War, London, 1992, no.15, pp.48-49. A further set of Ilkhanid silver-gilt horse fittings, dating to the thirteenth or fourteenth century sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 131.