Ceremonial saddles
16th-18th centuries
This hall contains the richest collection in the world of ceremonial harness and tack dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The articles on display are of both Russian and foreign make. A significant portion comes from the workshops of the Moscow Kremlin, while other items were ambassadorial gifts from Persia, Turkey, Germany, Poland, and England.
To the left is the archak (small saddle with a cushion and pommel) of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The background of the golden pommel is covered with turquoise blue enamel, and the surface is chased with an intertwining floral design, the double-headed eagle of the Russian empire, griffons, and lions. The archak was executed by masters of the Kremlin workshops in the 17th century.
To the right is a lady's side-saddle made by Russian craftsmen in the 18th century. Covered in bright red wool and forest green velvet, the saddle is finished in gold- and silk-thread embroidery.
The saddles of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, and Russian national hero, Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, are also on display in this hall.
