Arrowhead (Yanone)

Signed on the tang of the blade by Seijiro Japanese

Not on view

Although today Japanese warriors are renowned most for their swordsmanship, archery, especially from horseback, has been an essential part of samurai warfare and culture for centuries. Arrows were fitted with heads of varying shape according to their intended use in war, the hunt, or target practice. This arrowhead and others like it also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. nos. 32.75.489, .503, .506, .519, .562, .586, .591, .614, .657, .658, .659) were made for use on the battlefield, with different designs intended for specialized purposes such as the piercing of armor or to cause maximum damage to horses and unarmored personnel. On the other hand, highly elaborate examples (acc. nos. 32.75.318, .321, .327, .330, .334, .337, .339, .340, .398, .399, .403, .406, .409, 36.25.2616) were made as gifts or for ceremonial purposes.

This arrowhead in the shape of a willow-leaf (yanagi-ha) features a pierced design of a flower-lozenge (hanabishi).

Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>), Signed on the tang of the blade by Seijiro (Japanese,18th century), Steel, Japanese

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Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>), Signed on the tang of the blade by Seijiro (Japanese,18th century), Steel, Japanese
Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>), Signed on the tang of the blade by Seijiro (Japanese,18th century), Steel, Japanese

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