Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
L. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm); L. of head 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm); W. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); Wt. 3.1 oz. (87.9 g)
Classification
Archery Equipment-Arrowheads
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932
Accession Number
32.75.510
Art Historical Context
This exquisite steel arrowhead, known as a *yanone*, hails from 18th-century Japan during the Edo period—a time of relative peace under the Tokugawa shogunate, when martial arts like archery remained central to samurai culture. Measuring 13¾ inches long with a 7⅝-inch head, this slender, lightweight piece (just 3.1 ounces) was designed for deadly accuracy in battle, hunting, or ceremonial practices such as yabusame, the thrilling tradition of mounted archery. Crafted by an unknown master smith, the *yanone* exemplifies Japan's renowned metallurgical prowess. Forged from high-quality steel, it...