A rare complete set of Samanid or Khazar silver harness fittings, Central Asia, 9-10th century

the thirty-two piece set comprising fourteen fittings of rectangular form with symmetrical repoussé floral sprays, seven small conical elements, two openwork buckles, two smaller rings, two rectangular elements, one with a grapevine motif, two sets of three joined panels and a further panel and a half, each with vegetal and palmette designs and traces of gilding, two circular fittings decorated with a four-leafed rosette

In overall good condition, patination consistent with age, some gilding remains, one fitting with half a panel missing, some nicks to edges, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Usually made from silver sheet and of various shapes and sizes, these belt elements were used for different purposes. For example, the suspension piece was probably used to attach a sword or sabre to the belt. Other pieces are either plaques for the central girdle of a belt or spacers for the girdle or simply used to decorate the pendant straps. The plaques are set with four or two lugs which support their back-plates, through which the belt of leather or fabric would have been threaded.

The decoration on these pieces is characteristic of 9th/10th-century Nishapur where trappings are recorded to have been used by Samanid warriors; a similar piece can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili collection (see Alexander 1992, p.28, no.2). However, some decorative elements are paralleled on silver fittings made for the Khazaria Turks whose capital lay further west at Kiev (Kuyaba or Kuyabad) but whose territories stretched as far as Khwarizm in Central Asia abutting the Samanid domains.