Installation dates: December 14, 2007 – Fall 2009
Location: The Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gallery, first floor
An installation of rare and exquisitely decorated armor, weapons, and equestrian equipment from Tibet and culturally related areas of Mongolia and China will go on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on December 14. Featuring approximately 35 objects dating from the 15th to the 20th century, Tibetan Arms and Armor from the Permanent Collection will explore this little known aspect of Tibet's rich artistic and historic culture. Drawn from the Museum's own collection – one of the most important in the world – the installation includes several recent acquisitions that have never before been exhibited or published.
"Until recently Tibetan arms and armor were believed to consist of only a few generic styles that were largely dismissed as archaic and simplistic," said Donald LaRocca, Curator in the Department of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum. "This installation makes it clear, however, that they are actually objects of extremely high quality made in a surprisingly diverse variety of styles, employing many different decorative techniques and a rich and often complex iconography," he continued.
The Metropolitan's collection of Tibetan arms and armor is particularly noted for examples of the highest quality, rarity, and craftsmanship. Beginning with a gift of approximately 50 items donated in 1935, it increased to about 125 pieces by 2005. The collection was exhibited together for the first time at the Met as the
nucleus of the exhibition Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet (2006). Because of their importance and rarity, a selection of the most outstanding examples is being put on display again.
Highlights of the installation include: a helmet lavishly decorated in gold with images of Tibetan deities and protective inscriptions, made between the 15th and the 17th century for a powerful Mongolian follower of Tibetan Buddhism; a rare type of straight-bladed sword, the hilt of which is delicately ornamented with chiseled iron covered in gold and silver, dating from the 14th to the 16th century; a chest defense for a horse embellished with bold orange and black scroll designs, and Buddhist symbols; and a magnificent set of saddle plates from Tibet or China, dating from about 1400.
Among the new and previously unpublished acquisitions included in the installation is a unique war mask made of iron and trimmed with copper. This powerful and evocative mask is the only known surviving example of its type, probably made by a Mongolian or Tibetan craftsman as early as the 12th to the 14th century.
The exhibition is organized by Donald J. LaRocca and will be featured on the Museum's website at www.metmuseum.org.
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December 3, 2007
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