One of a Pair of Stirrups (Abumi) with Hanabishi Design
Artist
Japanese
Datelate 1700s
Mediumiron, silver inlay, wood, lacquer
Dimensions28.5 x 12 x 25.5 cm (11 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 10 1/16 in.)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1954.128.1
DescriptionOf hato mune (pigeon breast) type. Inlaid silver geometrical Hanabishi (flattened-diamond flowers) design; terminated in a buckle; cloudlike design on suspender; raised center band at the toe; lacquered red inside. Underneath are paulownia tendrils inlaid in silver. The interior wear from the rider's toes is asymmetrical: 1954.128.1 was for the left foot, .2 for the right.Each weighs 5 lb.
Label TextThe samurai came into being during Japan's Middle Ages, around the end of the first millennium. Originally mounted warriors, the early samurai were expert horse-archers, and stirrups like these provided them with a stable platform from which to use their bows. By the 1500s, samurai more commonly fought on foot, but they retained their traditions of horsemanship and mounted archery.ProvenanceEstate of Wilder D. Bancroft, Ithaca, New York
On View
Not on view
dated 1805-1806, blade probably 1700s
