19th C. Moroccan Silver-Inlaid Iron Stirrups, Engraved Scrollwork
North Africa, Morocco, Islamic tradition, ca. 1800–1930 CE. A pair of shovel-form riding stirrups raised from sheet iron, each broad square footplate sweeping upward through steeply flaring sides to a shouldered arch pierced for the suspension strap. Silver plating covers the arches and outer flanks, finely incised with vegetal scrolls, rosettes, and interlaced geometric banding in the idiom long favored by Moroccan metalsmiths, the pale tracery playing against the dark iron beneath. The footplates are perforated for drainage and purchase, and the two schemes deliberately differ: a radiating pinwheel of teardrops on one, a clustered field of round holes on the other, the signature of hand fabrication rather than matched manufacture. Such stirrups belonged to prestige tack, the most visible half of a horseman's finery, made to catch the sun as readily as to bear his weight. Size: 8" H x 5.25" W x 6.75" D (20.3 cm H x 13.3 cm W x 17.1 cm D).
The wide-sided, square-plated stirrup is a form shared across much of the Islamic world, from the Maghreb to Mughal India, its generous platform designed to carry the whole foot and to brace a rider standing in the saddle, whether for the lance or for the massed powder-volley of the Moroccan tbourida. What localizes this pair is the ornament: silver laid over iron and worked with foliate scroll and interlace rather than figural motifs.
Equestrian display remains a matter of deep pride in Morocco. Horses are still turned out for festivals and parades in embroidered saddlecloths, tasseled bridles, and gleaming metal fittings, and a wealthy rider historically advertised his standing by matching the luxury of his mount's harness with equally sumptuous personal equipment. Stirrups, hanging at eye level to the crowd, were among the most conspicuous elements of that ensemble.
The hide thongs threaded through the arches are later additions, added for display and handling rather than original to the tack.
Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #204478
Condition
Some chips to edges as well as weathering and abrasions to surfaces, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and excellent with impressive preservation of intricate silvered decoration.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
North Africa, Morocco, Islamic tradition, ca. 1800–1930 CE. A pair of shovel-form riding stirrups raised from sheet iron, each broad square footplate sweeping upward through steeply flaring sides to a shouldered arch pierced for the suspension strap. Silver plating covers the arches and outer flanks, finely incised with vegetal scrolls, rosettes, and interlaced geometric banding in the idiom long favored by Moroccan metalsmiths, the pale tracery playing against the dark iron beneath. The footplates are perforated for drainage and purchase, and the two schemes deliberately differ: a radiating pinwheel of teardrops on one, a clustered field of round holes on the other, the signature of hand fabrication rather than matched manufacture. Such stirrups belonged to prestige tack, the most visible half of a horseman's finery, made to catch the sun as readily as to bear his weight. Size: 8" H x 5.25" W x 6.75" D (20.3 cm H x 13.3 cm W x 17.1 cm D).
The wide-sided, square-plated stirrup is a form shared across much of the Islamic world, from the Maghreb to Mughal India, its generous platform designed to carry the whole foot and to brace a rider standing in the saddle, whether for the lance or for the massed powder-volley of the Moroccan tbourida. What localizes this pair is the ornament: silver laid over iron and worked with foliate scroll and interlace rather than figural motifs.
Equestrian display remains a matter of deep pride in Morocco. Horses are still turned out for festivals and parades in embroidered saddlecloths, tasseled bridles, and gleaming metal fittings, and a wealthy rider historically advertised his standing by matching the luxury of his mount's harness with equally sumptuous personal equipment. Stirrups, hanging at eye level to the crowd, were among the most conspicuous elements of that ensemble.
The hide thongs threaded through the arches are later additions, added for display and handling rather than original to the tack.
Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #204478
Condition
Some chips to edges as well as weathering and abrasions to surfaces, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and excellent with impressive preservation of intricate silvered decoration.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
