Gaucho

Fascinated by the world of horses and horsemanship, exotic travel, and the core activities of his family business, Émile Hermès began his extraordinary collection at an early age, including this group of nineteenth-century harnesses from Uruguay. At the centre, the crupper and breastplate strap are designed to hold the saddle firmly in position. Brasero or crown stirrups are arranged around the edges, their broad straps forming a finely detailed ornamental frieze. The reins are superbly crafted in silver mail. Punctuated by simple medallions decorated with single or double flower motifs, these pieces reflect the delightful simplicity of their home country. With its vast, fertile grassy plains, the Uruguayan pampa is also the realm of the horse, the gaucho’s essential companion to this day.