[National treasures] Enmonraden Kagamikura, Designated in February 1957

Enmonraden Kagamikura photo01
The only complete harness left in Japan from the Kamakura periodSaddles in the late Heian period were initially unstable and difficult to use, but a new design was developed that was ideal for use by Court nobles and samurai archers.
Kinpukurin was gold trimming used to decorate the edges of the saddle.
Enmonraden were inlaid double-ring patterns made from turban shells.

*Kamakura period: 1185 - 1333

Enmonraden Kagamikura photo02



Enmonraden Kagamikura photo03
Saddle with rainbow-colored mother-of-pearlPrecious turban shells were used to decorate the saddle in a gorgeous and beautiful design.
The saddle was made at a time when it was prohibited for saddles to be decorated all over with luxurious mother-of-pearl, which is why this gilt saddle was trimmed with bronze.

Enmonraden Kagamikura photo04
A decorative harness that has retained its appearance through the yearsThis is very rare, particularly for a harness from the Middle Ages, in that it has all the basic parts of the martingale used to decorate the saddle of a military horse. It consists of a headstall, breastplate and crupper, and a bit with Cintamani stone patterns.

Enmonraden Kagamikura photo05
A Japanese stirrups made for practical useStirrups that appeared around the end of the Heian period had long-tongue style stirrups.
In mounted cavalry battles, long stirrups offered greater stability by allowing the rider to brace their legs better and making them easier to use.
This is the only harness from the Middle Ages in Japan to survive with the full set of bit, saddle, long-tongue style stirrups and martingale.

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