Shitanaga Abumi - Samurai Stirrups, Japan, Edo Period (1603-1868)

Pair of silver nielloed iron stirrups, the interior is in red lacquer. The decoration is delicately chiseled with flowers.
This type of abumi was popular among the samurai of feudal Japan.

Good state, As is.
From the 17th - 18th century.

Dimensions: 31 x 13 cm
H: 26 cm

€ 1200 per pair.

Japanese stirrups, called “abumi”, were used by the Samurai class of feudal Japan from the 5th century. They were essential equipment with the “Kura” saddle in order to ride a horse.
The military version of this open stirrup called “Shinataga Abumi” was used in the middle of the Heian period.
They were thinner, had a deeper toe box, and the foot plate was even longer and flatter.
It is not known why the Japanese developed this unique style of stirrup, but it remained in use until the introduction of European-style stirrups in the late 19th century.
Abumi had a distinct swan shape, curved upwards and backwards to allow a leather strap to be passed over the instep, so that the rider could maintain good balance.
Most surviving Abumi from this period are usually made of iron, inlaid with designs in silver or other materials, and covered with lacquer.