Pair of Stirrups

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art