[rand]

Hi Kai,

Ususally the references for where a Tibetan example of pierced ironwork is from refer to the Derge Valley (pronounced Dur-gay) and even call it Derge work sometimes. More is being published about this type work now, there were also examles made in the Chinese workshops, including the royal workshops as gifts for Tibetan high ranking men. By the way this valley was usually in China.

These types of metalwork were not signed, not even pieces made for royalty, sometimes they were numbered in the Chinese Royal workshop. For that reason some objects are very datable to a particular ruler or reign.

There has been no difinitive study done that parallels Oakshotts, the "Archeology of Weapons" Sword. Where a systematic chronology of design has was determnined by camparisons to datable art, effigies, stained glass and archeology.

Would be more difficult in general with Tibetan art as similar designs were used over hundreds of years. Even so, different reigns with follow different styles that over time will eventually be in a chronological order.

Attched photo is a Chinese or tibetan saddle circa 1400...

This date is according to Donald Larocca, talked with him on the phone about and believe he thinks the early date attributed for this saddle a bit ambitious. But getting a theory out there to be criticized and fall or stand up is what its all about.....

rand