Velvet Saddle Bags

This is a pair of velvet saddle bags from early 19th century Iran. They are made out of velvet, satin, and metallic thread embroidery with raised cardboard backing. The center is red velvet with an embroidered decoration of a bird on blooming branches. This red velvet section is bordered by black velvet decorated with metallic embroidery of meandering branches. The embroidery is done with polychrome silk and metallic thread applied atop cardboard cutout to produce raised surfaces. The saddle bags are backed with satin and connected with a square of red velvet that is similarly decorated with floral designs in metallic thread.