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

Umetada Motoshige crafted this ceremonial arrowhead, called a yanone, in Japan sometime between the late sixteenth and late seventeenth centuries. This object reflects a culture where even the implements of war were subject to elaborate artistic refinement. Although functional arrowheads were essential for hunting and combat, yanone such as this one served a more symbolic purpose. The bamboo and maple leaf motif suggests a connection to nature, reflecting a deep respect for the natural world. The high level of craftsmanship and artistic detail also suggests that this arrowhead was not intended for use, but for display. As art historians, we can use a variety of resources to understand the arrowhead’s function. By researching the social and political context of the Edo period and examining examples of military regalia, we can gain insights into the values and beliefs associated with objects of this kind.