Pair of Stirrups

These stirrups are uniquely Mongolian and are among the most elaborate and ornate examples known of their type. The Mongols are famous cavalrymen, renowned and feared for their prowess in horsemanship for more than 1500 years. As a natural consequence of this, in traditional Mongolian culture great importance was placed on equestrian equipment, with highly decorated saddles, tack, and stirrups serving as indicators of taste, wealth, and social status. Most surviving Mongolian equestrian equipment dates from the 19th century, when Mongolia was part of China under the Qing dynasty. In many cultures, stirrups, in addition to their functionality, were platforms for the display of ornament and craftsmanship, with the best examples becoming independent works of art, uniquely expressive of the applied arts in the cultures from which they originate. The degree and complexity of the decoration of this pair of stirrups, coupled with the fact that they are entirely cast in silver, distinguishes them as one of the finest, if not the finest pair of Mongolian stirrups from the late Qing period known. In addition, they are outstanding examples of late Mongolian silversmith's work in any medium.