Ceremonial Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>)
dated 1645
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
L. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); L. of head 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Wt. 3.5 oz. (99.2 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
32.75.406
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite ceremonial arrowhead, known as a yanone, was crafted in 1645 by the renowned Japanese metalworker Umetada Motoshige. Fashioned from steel and measuring just under four inches in length, the piece exemplifies the refined artistry of early Edo-period Japan. While functional arrowheads served warriors in battle, yanone like this one were primarily created for display, ritual, or archery ceremonies, highlighting the cultural prestige of archery among the samurai class. Umetada Motoshige belonged to a distinguished lineage of swordsmiths and armorers whose work blended technical pre...