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Pair of Stirrups (Abumi)

late 16th–early 17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 377
Stirrups decorated with mother-of-pearl are rare, and this pair is perhaps the finest surviving example. Prominently placed on the front of each stirrup is a mon (heraldic emblem) consisting of three hollyhock leaves in a circle signifying the ownership of the Tokugawa family, which held the office of shogun (supreme military commander of Japan) from 1603 to 1868. At the time these stirrups were made, luxurious objects displaying the Tokugawa mon so prominently would have been appropriate only for Tokugawa Ieyasu, his son Tokugawa Hidetada (the first and second shoguns, respectively), or one of their closest relatives.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Stirrups (Abumi)
  • Date: late 16th–early 17th century
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: Iron, lacquer, mother-of-pearl
  • Dimensions: L. of each 11 3/4 in (29.8 cm); H. of each 10 3/8 in. (26.5 cm); W. of each 4 7/8 in. (12.5 cm)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Tom and Lore Firman Gift, in honor of George and Ruth Kosaka, 2008
  • Object Number: 2008.120.1, .2
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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