Stirrup

Culture Chinese

Cultureor Tibetan

Date1600s–1700s

Mediumiron, possibly with traces of gilding

Dimensions25 × 13 × 12 cm (9 13/16 × 5 1/8 × 4 3/4 in.), 1 lb 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1014.1

DescriptionIron with minor traces of what may be gilding. Rounded arch frame, top of which is carved with addorsed dragon heads, at the join of which is narrow slot for suspension strap. Tread plate is thick & circular, recessed underneath.
Label TextAcross Eurasia and northern Africa, riding a horse was a marker of social status. Elaborate horse equipment like these stirrups, adorned with exquisitely carved mythical beasts, became a vehicle for expressing this status.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on July 17, 1936 from Yamanaka & Company (New York, NY), their # BU3290. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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