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Pair of inlaid iron stirrups
Pair of inlaid iron stirrups

Pair of inlaid iron stirrups

Maker
Date18th century
MediumIron, inlaid with silver and mother of pearl
Dimensions9 13/16 × 11 7/16 inches (25 × 29 cm)
CultureJapan
PeriodEdo period (1615–1868)
ClassificationsArmor
Credit LineGift of Colonel John R. Fox
Terms
  • Armor
  • Costume
  • Decorative Arts
  • Metalwork
  • Stirrups
  • Japanese
  • Inlay
  • Iron
  • Mother of pearl DO NOT USE
  • Silver
Object number67.471 a,b
Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION This is a pair of stirrups made for the horse of a samurai. WHERE WAS IT MADE? These stirrups were made in Japan during the Edo Period (1615-1868). HOW WAS IT MADE? The stirrups were forged from iron. HOW WAS IT USED? During the Edo period, only samurai of elevated rank were permitted to ride horses. Horses would be fitted with elegant saddles and stirrups during important ceremonies. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? The form of the stirrups is one that was developed during the Heian Period (794-1185). The lobed form of the front of the stirrup is referred to as hato mune, which means pigeon breast. The long platform enabled cavalry archers to stand up and shoot their arrows while riding.
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