Artwork preview

Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) is a horse head armor piece made of gray metal, likely steel. The piece is roughly an elongated oval shape with the narrower end oriented up. The top edge features an undulating line with rounded protrusions spaced along it, while a series of small rivets line the perimeter of the piece. The surface displays an etched design with a central triangular section that tapers down into three rounded sections. The design on the surface appears intricate, with detailed patterns throughout. The background of the image is plain white, suggesting a neutral setting for showcasing the artifact.

Artwork details

Date:
late 15th–early 16th century
Medium:
Steel
Culture:
probably Iranian
Dimensions:
468 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
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