Object Details
Culture
Japan
Edo period (1615–1868)
Date
18th century
Medium
Iron, inlaid with silver and mother of pearl
Dimensions
9 13/16 × 11 7/16 inches (25 × 29 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Colonel John R. Fox
Object
Number
67.471 a,b
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONThis is a pair of stirrups made for the horse of a samurai.WHERE WAS IT MADE?These (…)
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONThis 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.
