Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>) 1501 - 1900

This is an arrowhead, made by Yoshitoshi sometime between 1701 and 1800. It's a small thing, just under a foot long, made of iron, and decorated with inlaid designs. Now, you might think that an arrowhead is just a functional object, but this one is different. The iron has been worked with incredible precision. Notice the sharp, clean edges, the delicate curves, and the floral and geometric patterns. These required expert blacksmithing skills. The designs are inlaid with another metal to contrast with the iron, adding a layer of refinement. This object transcends its intended purpose. It's a testament to the maker's skill, and also to the warrior culture of the time, where even weapons could be objects of beauty. It challenges our ideas about what constitutes art. It makes us question the relationship between function and decoration, between craft and fine art.