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A PAIR OF RARE SILVERED COPPER ALLOY STIRRUPS, TANG DYNASTY China, 618-907. The horseshoe-shaped stirrup with a straight handle and a rectangular buckle with raised borders in the form of an archaic ‘gui’ head, with a rectangular slit for attachment to the saddle. The stirrup ring with a wide footrest with a central longitudinal ridge on the underside, slightly turned downwards at both edges. (2) Provenance: The Collection of Sam and Myrna Myers, Paris, France. According to the Myers ledger, this was acquired on 25 February 1997 in Hong Kong and has been in the collection for 29 years. Condition: Very good condition with surface wear and inherent casting irregularities. Distinct traces of weathering and corrosion with associated minor losses. Expected signs of usage. Scattered small nicks and faint surface scratches. The metal surface with extensive areas of attractive malachite and azurite encrustations. Weight: 1,078 g (total) Dimensions: Height 19.3 cm (each) The introduction of the stirrup represented a pivotal development in the evolution of Chinese equestrian equipment during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties. The compact stirrup established a secure interface between rider and horse, providing a primary point of support that enabled the rider to maintain balance and stability while keeping the hands free. This innovation proved indispensable in both quotidian and warfare contexts. The integration of stirrup and saddle significantly enhanced cavalry performance and accelerated the advance of military campaigns. Literature comparison: A pair of stirrups related to the present lot, dating to the Tang dynasty, were excavated in 1986 at Wulanbulang Village, Haoqinying Township, Hohhot City, subsequently transferred to Hohhot Museum in 1991 and classified as a first-class cultural relic in 2003 by the Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Another related examplar, inlaid with gold, was recovered from the tomb of Shi Huang, first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, near Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and is now held by the Capital Museum of China, Beijing.