National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Japanese saddles consist of three parts: the bars the rider sits on (igi), the front arch (mae-wa, pommel) and the hind arch (shizu-wa, cantle). Cushions (kurashiki) are used for riding. This structure is unique to Japanese saddles.
On the black lacquered surface, the picture is expressed by the sophisticated blending of small and relatively thin pieces of turban shell cut into different shapes such as the shapes of flowers, of leaves, of tree branches and so on. Although the techniques employed themselves are not particularly minute, there is a beauty of simplicity in this saddle. With its elegant design exemplifying the taste of the era of the Fujiwara clan, this piece represents the best part of the art of the Japanese saddle.