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

This Ceremonial Arrowhead, or Yanone, was created by Umetada Motoshige in Japan, sometime between the late sixteenth and late seventeenth century. During this Edo period, Japan was experiencing relative peace and economic prosperity. However, these conditions existed under the strict rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which rigorously controlled social hierarchy. While swords were the primary symbol of the samurai class, objects like this arrowhead became decorative expressions of identity. The intricate piercing and carving of the arrowhead reflects the growing importance of artistry and craftsmanship during the period. Rather than serving a functional purpose, pieces such as this were made for display or ceremonial use, thereby emphasizing status. Note how the artist’s delicate and meticulous engraving contrasts with the arrowhead's original function as a tool for warfare. This contrast creates a tension between violence and beauty, reflecting the complex relationship between power, aesthetics, and social identity in Edo-period Japan.