EDO PERIOD ABUMI ( SADDLE STIRRUPS )

[watsonmil]

Piers et al,

Piers' dilemma about mounting a horse ( sounds perverted when taken out of context ). Please see thread HOW TO MOUNT A HORSE .. authored by Piers brought to mind a pair of Abumi that I would like to share. They are made of iron with brass inlays in what I think might be referred to as a diaper pattern. The bottoms are inlaid in a sort of plant vine design. The section where the foot is placed is also iron, but with a covering of a woven fabric which in turn is lacquered over in red ( somewhat worn and faded ). The OA length is 10 1/2 inches, and height is 9 1/2 inches. Width is 5 1/4 inches. They appear to be quite old, and show wear, ... so they were definitely used rather than displayed or made for the tourist trade. They are surprisingly heavy. I should imagine the design of the stirrups allowed for the Samurai to stand while on horseback to give a more stable platform for the use of the Yumi ( long Japanese Bow ). Anyways I find them interesting and quite an attractive addition to a collection of Samurai equipment. One should I think not overlook these and other Samurai accoutrements in favour of a swords only collection, as displayed along with your swords they if anything compliment each other artistically.

... Ron Watson

[John A Stuart]

Ron, the pattern reminds me of turtles. John

[watsonmil]

Dear John,

You know when I was composing this little article, I could not think for the life of me where I had seen that pattern before ( shape ), ... but I do believe you've nailed it .... Turtle shell segments ! The design inside each is however a flower blossom alternating to a different flower blossom with I think either another different flower or an abstract leaf. Perhaps they represent different Mons ?? Flowers are not my forte as my wife will confirm.

Regards, ... Ron Watson

[Bugyotsuji]

Ron, I cannot decide whether to call those lovely or beautiful. I have seen some that leave me cold but these hit all the right notes. Thanks for sharing them.

 

The pattern is also used in Mon/Kamon. Hexagonal Rok-kak-kei shape.

Turtleshell = 亀甲　Kik-kou, 亀の甲羅　kame-no-ko-ra.

[watsonmil]

Dear Piers,

You just made my day, ... thank you. Between yourself and John I learned a good deal about the designs which I had not for whatever reason ( senility perhaps ) recognized. I must say I envy you in particular Piers ... living the history we all love !

... Ron Watson

[estcrh]

One should I think not overlook these and other Samurai accoutrements in favour of a swords only collection, as displayed along with your swords they if anything compliment each other artistically.

... Ron Watson

Ron, I could not agree with you more, learning about other samurai items and perhaps acquiring some of them along with nihonto is a good way to expand you appreciation of the samurai culture. In armor this hexagon pattern is called kikko. I am sure it was taken directly from observing the pattern of the armored shell of a tortoise.

 

kikko, or tortoise-shell, crest. In Japanese folklore the tortoise is often an envoy of the God ... The kikko crest generally bears a design of an equilateral hexagon with a hanabishi in its center.

[sanjuro]

Ron I must echo what has already been said. These abumi are possibly the most attractive ones I have seen. Others tend to be either plain and rather non descript or too garish and over decorated.

[kusunokimasahige]

Very nice abumi indeed! I like the Kikko design, also seen many times in the armour of the samurai, especially in Manchira and suneate top sides, then often consisting of small iron plates sewn into the fabric.

 

The sad thing is that horse gear, like the saddle,

as well as the abumi, bit and the silk braids are very very expensive .

 

 

But also very very beautiful!

 

KM

[bchert333]

Hello

I recently was unpacking boxes from my childhood. My Family lived in Okinawa for 6 years. I have so many beautiful things from Japan. I would like to share the most recent item I unpacked attached is a pic. I remember my Grandmother telling me Japanese Horseman would wear these in battle? They are inlaid in Mother of pearl. Here is also something that will BLOW all of your minds. When she lived abroad they were redoing or closed the Old imperial palace. She had told someone I would like those, so the story was told to me. She pointed to the banisters which had a Foo dog on each of them they were metal from what I can remember and ridged on the bottom from being ripped off. They are gone now some antique dealer jumped on those when she did a walk through after Grandma's passing. I know Im a stranger rambling, but know one else can appreciate my stories. Thanks for listening and if you think these have any value or important history please reply. I am looking for a reputable buyer of all my Japanese items.

[Geraint]

Hi Ingrid and welcome.

 

(Forum etiquette is to sign all posts with a real name, by the way.) You don't mention which country you are in which might make a little difference to value but the abumi you show are certainly of interest and some value to collectors. Compare them with the pair that started this thread and you will see some differences, it might help if you could tell if yours are iron or lacquered wood and perhaps some more photographs?

 

Cheers

[IanB]

Ron, Very nice stirrups indeed. I have a pair that came with a complete harness that are decorated using the same technique - flush brass inlay. Mine have the added detail of some silver overlay that looks a bit like the tachibana kamon but probably isn't. In the attached picture the stirrup nearest the camera has been cleaned, the other is as obtained. I really must get around to finishing the job.

Ian Bottomley