1-234-271 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Tibetan nobleman's belt with damascened iron plaques, Tibet, 15th century. A leather belt mounted with six large damascened iron plaques; four of ten-lobed diamond shape and two of ruyi head shape with three loops for supension of accoutrements. Both ruyi plaques have lobed triangular damascened iron suspended attachments with loops, buckle and other minor attachments in same technique. The decoration on the first four plaques shows Buddhist precious emblems and demons with human hands reaching for the emblem. The two with loops have two qilins all amid complex tracery. Each plaque has a classic scroll border, the pendant attachments each with a taotie mask and hands holding complex tracery.