Two Stirrups
A detailed Mongolian inscription on the base of one of the stirrups, gives the name of its maker and of the Mongolian nobleman who commissioned it. Such an inscription appears to be unique not only for a stirrup but also for any example of secular ironwork from Mongolia or Tibet, making these stirrups invaluable as a touchstone against which all other decorative ironwork of this type can be compared.
The inscriptions, as translated by Dr. Johan Elverskog, reads: Kiya Darkhan made this stirrup [adorned] with dragons on the second day of the new moon of the fifth month of the yi-sheep year for Oboodai Taiji.
The date yi-sheep is a combination of the Chinese ten stems and the Mongol 12 animal cycle, corresponding to 1595, 1655, or 1715.
The inscriptions, as translated by Dr. Johan Elverskog, reads: Kiya Darkhan made this stirrup [adorned] with dragons on the second day of the new moon of the fifth month of the yi-sheep year for Oboodai Taiji.
The date yi-sheep is a combination of the Chinese ten stems and the Mongol 12 animal cycle, corresponding to 1595, 1655, or 1715.
Artwork Details
- Title: Two Stirrups
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Culture: Mongolian or Tibetan
- Medium: Iron, gold, silver
- Dimensions: H. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); W. 5 11/16 in. (14.4 cm); Wt. 22 oz. (617 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Bashford Dean, by exchange, 2007
- Object Number: 2007.181, .182
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Mongolian or Tibetan
16th–17th century
Mongolian or Tibetan
16th–17th century
Mongolian
15th–17th century
Mongolian or Tibetan
12th–14th century
Tibetan or Mongolian
possibly 12th–14th century
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