Cow Crupper Japan Deer bone, rope 37 ½ inches length. 10 inches of beaded bones on either side, maximum bone width of 3 ¾ inches. Edo Period (1600-1868) This cow crupper originates from the Tōhoku region during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), where cattle played an essential role in agriculture and transport, especially in mountainous northern terrain. Designed to secure packs and harnesses, the crupper fit beneath the animal’s tail, preventing loads from slipping forward on steep paths. Crafted for durability rather than ornament, the piece reflects the pragmatic rural culture of Edo-period Tōhoku. More than a utilitarian object, this cow crupper embodies the close relationship between humans and working animals in early modern Japan. It stands as a testament to regional ingenuity, labor, and the rhythms of agrarian life in northern Japanese society during the Edo period. A similar example can be seen in Tokyo’s mingeikan (folk craft museum). $700
