Dragonscale Mongolian Quiver

Notes & Process

The client requested a mongolian style hip quiver with a black dragonscale texture and a red lotus flower from their heraldry.

After the outline was cut, the surface was tooled with a lined dragonscale stamp (stamp ID: S721), one scale at a time.

For the lotus flower, multiple styles were experimented with to bring some texture to the petals.

What was ultimately decided on was a simple cross-hatch shading to create subtle depths and shadows for a less flat appearance after dyeing.

The borders of the scale pattern along the outer perimeter and around the lotus were blended using a speckled matting stamp (stamp ID: M882) to create the feeling of the rough hide that would lie underneath the scales.

After dyeing, the surface of the leather was finished with a satin sheening solution, then polished with black shoe polish for extra shine and protection.

Traditional quivers would use an almond-shaped wedge of wood for the base, but due to tool and space constraints I was unable to shape wood for what I needed. I opted instead for a stitched leather base, which was left untooled except for an embossing of the maker’s initials.

Research & Resources

The shape of quiver was roughly based upon a quiver and bow case set originating from 15th-17th century Tibet or Mongolia.

Additional inspiration for shape and structure was taken from reference photos of the Eastern Style model of quiver made by Zack Djurica of Nomadic Arts Archery.

The scale and lotus tooling patterns are contemporary and not based on an extant design.