17th C. Japanese Lacquered Wood Saddle w/ Leather Strap

East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. A handsome example of a kura, a saddle used by the samurai class in feudal Japan. Handmade from several wood components, fitted together, and then covered in a thick mahogany-colored lacquer, this would have sat atop a series of saddle cushions/blankets. A thick leather strap, known as a gekiso or Chikara-gawa, serves as a stirrup strap, while a red leather strap decorated with over a dozen carved cylindrical beads made from cow and deer bone also accompanies this piece. This is a part of a shirigai, known in English as a crup. Size: 14.75" L x 16" W x 10.25" H (37.5 cm x 40.6 cm x 26 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#151191
Condition Report: Saddle has some small losses from the wood surface, notably at the peripheries, as well as a few cracks that do not threaten the stability of the saddle itself. Lacquered surface has some chips and losses as well as wear commensurate with age. The leather components have some wear, inactive insect damage, and small losses. Rich patina on all surfaces.