The Legacy of Genghis Khan (LACMA)

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Three Belt Plaques Southern Russia or Central Asia, 13th century Gold, repoussé, chased and engraved, granulation The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, London (JLY 1012, 1836) cat. 151 © Nour Foundation [click on top image for full object view]



The exchange of belts and horses was evidently one means of commemorating alliances among the peoples of the Mongolian steppes.

These three gold ornaments and the silver plaque all bear images of deer set within dense vegetation, a common decorative theme in the art of the Mongol empire. The motif was possibly introduced through contact with the art or artists of the Chinese Jin dynasty (1115–1234) when it was a standard decoration among officers in the emperor’s entourage.

Genghis Khan Home | Introduction
Mongols in China | Mongols in Iran | Mongols and Islam | Art of the Book | A New Visual Language
Exhibition Info & Credits | Resources

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