16th - 18th Century Bronze Horse Harness Decorations (Set of 7) Culture / Period: 16th - 18th century Date / Period: 16th - 18th century Material: Bronze Dimensions: 26-46 mm Condition: Good condition No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid. Provenance information: Object Registration ID: 829 The current owner (S.N.J. S.) purchased the Horse Harness Decorations (Set of 7) from E.R. in Doesburg, the Netherlands. The previous owner, E.R. from Doesburg (the Netherlands), stated that the objects had been in his collection since the 1990's. According to the previous owner, the objects had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1990's. No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the objects was available from the previous owner. Background Information: This collection consists of seven bronze horse harness decorations dating to the 16th-18th century. The group includes a variety of decorative strap mounts and one small harness fitting, all intended to be attached to leather straps by means of slotted openings through which the strap passed. Such mounts served both to reinforce the harness and to enhance its visual appearance. Decorative harness mounts of this type were widely used throughout the Early Modern period on horse bridles, breastplates, reins, and other leather equipment. Horses played a vital role in transport, agriculture, trade, military service, and ceremonial display, and well-furnished harnesses reflected both craftsmanship and the status of the owner. Circular, scalloped, and plain examples such as these were often combined on a single harness to create an attractive and symmetrical arrangement. The fittings were cast in bronze and finished by hand before being fitted to leather straps. Their robust construction ensured durability under daily use, while their decorative forms demonstrate the importance placed on the appearance of riding and carriage equipment. Comparable examples are regularly found throughout the Netherlands, Germany, England, and other parts of Europe, illustrating the widespread production and use of standardised horse furniture during the period. This collection provides an excellent overview of the variety of bronze harness ornaments employed during the Early Modern era and forms a tangible connection to a time when horses were indispensable for everyday transport, agriculture, commerce, and travel."