Artwork preview

Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metallic gray horse's head defense, labeled as Shaffron, with a predominantly gray color and visible darker gray and black spots. The object features a distinctive shape with a narrow bottom that widens towards the top, resembling a horse's head. There is a large central ridge running vertically down the middle, flanked by two curved indentations on either side. The top section has a series of scalloped edges. The surface displays intricate etchings and engravings throughout.

Artwork details

Date:
early 16th century
Medium:
Steel, copper alloy
Culture:
Turkish or Iranian
Dimensions:
469 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette