Bit Bosses
Unknown Artist
These two bosses, attached to the sides on a horse bit, appear similar but in fact do not originally form a pair. The rim of each is decorated with flowers and birds in blue, green, purple and yellow translucent enamel over patches of silver foil, standing out against a black background painted with golden scrolls. The domed central section is adorned with white, green, blue and yellow rays with flowers and scrolls using the same techniques.
The bosses’ style and technique are typical of painted enamels made in Germany in the 16th century. Enameled harness ornaments are very rare because of their extreme fragility. Such pieces would only be used on special events like parades or equestrian demonstrations.
Credit: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913