Saddle cloth
Category
Textiles
Date
1700 - 1800
Materials
Canvas, Net, Silk, Silver-gilt, Velvet, Wood
Measurements
2570 mm (Length)1520 mm (W)
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Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180740
Summary
Elephant saddle cloth and two matching horse saddle cloths (T.12.2,3). All decorated with heavy netted boble fringe in silver gilt thread, with wooden battens at regular intervals. Velvet, encrusted with heavy silver gilt thread or wire embroidery raised on a core of thick yellow tusser silk ('zardozi' work), and spangles in a floral trellis pattern, with corner medallions and scroll borders. The lining of faded saffron yellow 'mashru' patterned with small blue, red and silver flower sprigs in a silver trellis; interlined with coarse canvas. Mughal style, 18th century. See 'Treasures from India' catalogue pg.108.
Provenance
Part of the indigenous collection of Powis Castle which Edward Henry Herbert, 5th Earl of Powis agreed with the Commissioners of the Inland Revenue to be accepted in part satisfaction to the extent of £158,400 of the Estate duty for which he was accountable in connection with the death of the Right Honourable George Charles, 4th Earl of Powis, on 9th November 1952. Acceptance was effected when the objects were delivered in good condition to the Representative of the Treasury. The contract of the 'Offer of Property in Satisfaction of Estate Duty under the National Land Fund Scheme' was completed on 21st March 1963. This collection of chattels was accepted in lieu of tax by Her Majesty's Treasury and immediately transferred to the ownership of the National Trust on 29th November 1963 as the Treasury saw it desirable that the objects should remain associated with Powis Castle. Agreed by National Trust, Powis Estate Trustees and John George Herbert, 8th Earl of Powis in 25th June 2009 that this item is part of the collection of items transferred to the Treasury in 1963 and therefore owned by the National Trust.