{"product_id":"antique-chinese-forged-iron-stirrups","title":"Antique Chinese Forged Iron Stirrups | Qing Dynasty Equestrian Pair | Circa 18th–19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e China\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-forged iron\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Qing Dynasty or earlier, likely 18th–early 19th century CE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis impressive pair of hand-forged iron stirrups represents a traditional form of Chinese equestrian equipment dating to the Qing Dynasty or earlier. Crafted entirely from iron and displaying a deep, naturally developed patina, the stirrups exhibit the robust construction and understated elegance characteristic of Chinese military and riding accoutrements of the late imperial period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach stirrup is formed with a broad oval tread plate pierced by a central drainage aperture and surmounted by a rectangular suspension loop designed to accommodate a leather stirrup strap. The gracefully arched sides are embellished with chiseled and incised decoration, including twisted and rope-like motifs executed directly into the iron, demonstrating the skill of the blacksmith responsible for their manufacture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many Western stirrups of the same period, Chinese examples often featured broad footplates intended to provide greater stability and comfort during prolonged riding. Such stirrups were employed by military cavalrymen, mounted officials, merchants, and travelers throughout imperial China, where horsemanship remained essential to transportation, trade, and warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Likely Qing Dynasty or earlier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-forged iron construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Broad oval tread plates with central pierced openings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rectangular suspension loops for leather straps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Chiseled and incised decorative motifs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Deep, naturally aged patina throughout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Traditional equestrian equipment associated with imperial China\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Retains matching form and construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorsemanship occupied an important role throughout Chinese history, particularly under the Qing Dynasty, whose ruling Manchu elite maintained strong equestrian traditions. Stirrups such as these formed an essential component of military saddlery and civilian riding equipment, facilitating mounted combat, communication, and travel across vast regions of the empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChinese stirrups evolved distinct regional forms that balanced practicality with decorative refinement. Hand-forged examples of this type embody centuries of metallurgical knowledge and remain tangible reminders of the central role horses played in imperial administration, commerce, and warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stirrups remain structurally sound and retain an attractive aged surface throughout. Expected wear, oxidation, pitting, and areas of surface irregularity are present, consistent with age and long-term use. The decorative chiseled details remain visible, while the iron surfaces display a rich, dark patina developed over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 6 in \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e175–275 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormerly part of a private Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA collection specializing in antique arms, armour, equestrian equipment, and historical militaria. The collection was assembled over many years and included an extensive range of firearms, edged weapons, saddlery, and martial artifacts spanning numerous cultures and historical periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eView a comparable nineteenth-century pair of Chinese or Korean stirrups in the collection of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"19th-Century Chinese or Korean Stirrups – The Metropolitan Museum of Art\" href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/31882\"\u003eThe Metropolitan Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Asian Artifacts and Antiquities – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/ancient-chinese-artifacts-imperial-relics\"\u003eCollection of Ancient Chinese Antiquities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54971311587650,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-07-14T152536.597.png?v=1784057146","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/fr\/products\/antique-chinese-forged-iron-stirrups","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}