Wagura style ceremonial saddle. Japan, Edo period (1603-1868)

Wagura style ceremonial saddle. Japan, Edo period (1603-1868).
Red oak base with mother-of-pearl (kura) scales and vegetable and floral forms in lacquer.
Provenance:
-Stibbert Museum-Florence (IT).
-Metropolitan Museum - New York.
Accompanied by a box with the inscription "saddle, Kura Hitokoshi, Ise Mamoru of the Ise school".
Measurements: 35 x 38 x 41 cm (with base).

Japanese wagura style ceremonial saddle of the Edo period (1603-1868), completely decorated with perfectly molded mother-of-pearl sheets (kura). The Japanese saddle is made of red oak (kashi) and the different parts are connected to each other by joints and cords that allow the kurabane to flex. It is made up of four parts: the maewa (pommel) -the arched front plate-, the shizuwa (bead) -the arched back plate-, which are connected by two igi (contoured side bands) that connect the maewa to the shizuwa. The igi rests on either side of the horse's spine and serves as the lower frame for the leather set (basen or kura tsubo). The igi has, in turn, slots for the stirrup straps (chikara-gawa or gekiso) to pass through. It was with the Ise school (one of the oldest) that saddle making became a matter for specialists (Kaurauchi). The school is located as its name suggests on the Ise peninsula, known for this famous shrine.