Saddle with Stylized Flowers. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 13 in. (33 cm); L. 15 3/8 in. (39.1 cm). Date: inscribed 1491; relacquered, 17th century.During the peaceful Edo period, sets of saddles and stirrups were often richly decorated with matching maki-e (sprinkled picture) designs and mother-of-pearl inlays. This light, carefully crafted saddle, however, is dated on its reverse to 1491 (Entoku 3), which suggests that it might have seen use during the turbulent samurai warfare of the Muromachi period. Saddles such as this one were treasured by samurai families and were not only carefully preserved but also relacquered and redecorated in the Edo period to reflect the tastes of the time. The flower decoration on this saddle's pommel is inspired by Chinese brocades. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.