Ceremonial Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>) 1645

This ceremonial arrowhead, or 'yanone,' was crafted by Umetada Motoshige, an artist who lived between 1575 and 1675, a period marked by significant social and political transitions in Japan. During this era, Japan’s samurai class was undergoing transformation, and objects like this yanone, while appearing functional, were more symbolic. Look closely, and you'll notice the intricate carvings of monkeys reaching for the moon reflected in the water. What might at first seem like a decorative element contains multiple layers of meaning. The monkey motifs, popular at the time, are associated with protection from evil. The image of the monkey reaching for the moon, represents desire, illusion, and the unobtainable, a commentary perhaps on the fleeting nature of power or earthly ambition. The yanone reflects how martial culture intertwined with philosophical and spiritual beliefs, and how even weapons could become bearers of complex cultural narratives.