A FINE AND RARE INLAID-IRON AND SHAGREEN SADDLE Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), 18th/19th centuryProperty of various ownersA FINE AND RARE INLAID-IRON AND SHAGREEN SADDLEJoseon dynasty (1392-1897), 18th/19th centuryConstructed with a wood core consisting of a tall pommel and cantle and two side bands lashed together with rawhide, the surfaces covered with shagreen and lacquered red and applied with iron trim decorated with silver overlays of coiling dragons on clouds punctuated by stylized longevity characters, the front of the pommel and rear of the cantle applied with a decorative iron plate decorated in silver overlays with confronted dragons surrounding a sacred jewel above rocks and waves, the original saddle pad held in place by large iron medallions decorated with dragons in flames surrounding a longevity character, the underside and the outer edges of the side bands lacquered black or dark green, with a cloth saddle pad and a modern wood stand 17 5/8in (44.7cm) longThis rare, well-preserved saddle with its high, curved pommel and low cantle is typical of the style favored by court officials in the late Joseon dynasty. The basic form of the saddle, remained largely unchanged since its introduction to Asia through trade routes with nomadic peoples of Assyria and Iran.The Neo-Confucian sumptuary laws in Korea strictly codified the style of dress and decoration of accoutrements, based on rank. The decoration on saddles was no exception. Shagreen decoration was reserved for those of the fourth rank and above. This saddle, applied with lacquered shagreen and silver-overlay decoration of auspicious characters and symbols must have been made for an official of high rank.