Caravans, Covers and Containers

Saddle Cover
Azerbaijan
19th Century
Wool, leather, silk embroidery
104 x 139.7 cm (41 x 55 in.)
Judith Brick Freedman Collection

The source of this exquisitely embroidered saddle cover is difficult to ascertain. On the back of this cover, embroidered in the same manner as the front, is the name “Gulya” in Cyrillic characters. This most likely rules out Iran and points to the Russian-dominated territories, support for which is provided by a matching example which is published as coming from Azerbaijan. It would be valuable to learn of other covers of this type in order to get a fuller sense of this style of embroidery. The ground fabric is felted woolen cloth and the needlework is of extremely high quality.

ContainerAzerbaijanHorseCover

Saddle Cover