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Pair of Stirrups

16th–18th century
Not on view
Although close in form to the well-known style of Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan stirrups still in use in the region today, this pair, with its slender proportions and accomplished decoration, is earlier and finer than most examples of this type. The dragon heads are chiseled in high relief with deep undercutting and some piercing. The treads, where the rider's feet would rest, are decorated with the interlocked design known as the King's Earrings, damascened in silver.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Stirrups
  • Date: 16th–18th century
  • Culture: Tibetan
  • Medium: Iron, gold, silver
  • Dimensions: Stirrup (a); H. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm); W. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); D. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Wt. 15.1 oz. (428.1 g); stirrup (b); H. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm); W. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); D. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 0.1 oz. (456.4 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Bequest of Stephen V. Grancsay, by exchange, 1997
  • Object Number: 1997.214.2a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

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Stirrup, Iron, gold, silver, Mongolian or Tibetan
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