Chinese antique ray skin and cloisonne enamel saddle

This unusual and remarkable object, is an 18th Century Chinese saddle, built from wood and has been lined with ray skin. It is decorated with floral motifs, and patternwork, executed in cloisonne enamel. The saddle was originally made for the Mongolian market, during China's Qing dynasty (1644-1912). It dates from approximately the middle of that period, and is a rare surviving example of equestrian equipment from that time. The object bears testament to its use and its history, but nevertheless is embellished with intricate and elegant decoration, which speaks to its status as more than a purely functional object. It is a piece of great historical interest. It is stamped along the wood, but the inscription is no longer legible.