Description
This item is the Abumi (鐙, stirrup). It is a type of harness, a tool that hangs on the side of the horse and puts the foot on when riding. And stirrups are used with the Kura (鞍, saddle). It is a device worn on the back of a horse to allow it to sit on the horse. The Kakogashira (鉸具頭, ring-shaped bracket) and the Sasuga (刺鉄, rotating needle-like metal fitting), these parts exist for attaching stirrups to a saddle.
Stirrups are used in two ways. One is to put your feet on when you straddle a horse and climb up. The other is used for balancing on horseback while the horse is running. Stirrups were originally created to allow people who were not nomadic equestrians to ride horses easily. It is said the Abumi was introduced to Japan from the continent in the Kohun period (古墳時代, 250-538). At first, it was a simple ring-shaped object. However, it became more practical, and some had highly decorative appearances.
Now, please focus on the design of these stirrups. This stirrup is lavishly ornamented with a front design combining Kiri (桐, paulownia) and Karakusa (唐草, arabesque) patterns, and side panels arranged in Kamon-chirashi (家紋散らし, “scattered family crests”), a fashionable layout popular since the late Muromachi period (1492-1596). The paulownia shows three upright flower sprays with three leaves—the classic Go-san-no-Kiri variant—whose blossom arrangement traditionally signals rank and auspicious authority; in East Asian lore the Hōō (鳳凰, Fenghuang) alights in the paulownia tree, so Kiri came to symbolize protection and virtuous rule. The flowing Karakusa scrolls, formed by intertwining vines and leaves, speak to vitality, prosperity, and longevity, as vines grow without interruption. Along the sides, the Kamon-chirashi composition mixes several crests—Ume (梅, plum; resilience and renewal as the first bloom of spring), Kikyō (桔梗, bellflower; constancy, sincerity, and quiet elegance), Go-san-no-Kiri (五三の桐; auspicious authority and protection), and Maru-ni-Mitsubiki (丸に三つ引き; three horizontal bars in a circle, a restrained martial emblem associated with order, unity, and steadiness)—creating a refined tapestry of wishes and identities. Together these motifs transform a functional riding implement into a statement of taste and status, encoding the owner’s hopes for good fortune, long life, and dignified power.
*There is some deterioration to the lacquer in places; please refer to the photos for details.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【Shipping duration】
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【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
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