Pair of stirrups, Ottoman (17th/18th century)

Title	Pair of stirrups
Nationality	Ottoman
Period	17th/18th century

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This magnificent pair of Ottoman stirrups date from the end of the 17th or early 18th century. They are of gilded iron with a star of David motif on both sides, one amidst geometric designs and the other amidst floral ones. There would seem to be a signature on both sides of the top of the stirrups, but I am not able to decipher it.

In practice, this type of stirrup was worn across the Islamic world, from Morocco in the West to modern day Iraq in the East. It is possible that they are of North African manufacture, but the gilding and engraving have a distinctly Turkish feel about them. A very similar pair are illustrated in The Arts of the Muslim Knight by Bashir Mohamed, number 343 in the catalogue, and are described as 'Turkey, Ottoman or North African'. Also, there is a manuscript illustration (item 82 in Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection, also shown on the front cover) of similar stirrups, dated 1594-95, so these may well be earlier.

Highly decorated Islamic stirrups such as these, even relatively late ones, are quite rare. Most are only plain iron examples.

Just under 9" tall, there is some wear on the floral side of both stirrups, due no doubt to wear against the horse's flank, but essentially most of the gilding is intact. There is age rust patination to the foot plates and sides of both pieces.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Horse Furniture : Stirrups : Ottoman : 18th Century]

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