The Edo Period, the final period of traditional
Japan lasting from 1603 until 1867, was a time
of internal peace, political stability, and
economic growth. The Shogunate, a military
dictatorship that effectively ruled the land, was
established by Tokugawa. Although Edo was the
Imperial and spiritual capital of Japan, Edo (now
called Tokyo) became the political,
administrative, and military center and grew into
the largest metropolis in the world, perhaps
nearly twice the size of Paris and London. The
arts flourished during the Edo period and much
of the history of the era and the city can be
traced through the woodcuts of artists such as
Hiroshige. Japan opened up to the west and
expanded its economic horizon to the point that,
by the end of the Edo period, merchants had
become more powerful than Samurais.
A cloud of quiet calm hangs over the dense
forest. A far off bird and the rustling of a small
creature are the only noises that disturb the
peace. That is, until a distant rumbling begins
approaching: the sound of horses galloping
through the wooded trails. Soon the sound
grows louder and louder as they get closer and
closer. Then through the foliage appear a band
of Samurais, the fabled Japanese warriors and
the keepers of peace. Splendidly outfitted with
armor and weapons crafted by the finest
artisans, no detail has been overlooked, not even
the stirrups on the horses they ride. Such a
beautiful pair of Iron stirrups was undoubtedly
the prized possession of a Samurai of
tremendous stature. Elegant decorations of
foliage and geometric motifs adorn the exterior.
The shape of the stirrup itself recalls some exotic
fruit or plants. While gazing upon these
magnificent relics of pre-industrial Japan, one
call still hear the distant echo of horses
cantering through the woods.
- (FZ.400)
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