Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite steel arrowhead, known as a *yanone*, hails from 18th-century Japan and exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of the Edo period. Measuring just 8 inches in total length, with a head of 1⅜ inches long and 1⅝ inches wide, it weighs a mere 0.6 ounces—light lethal, designed for precision in archery. Forged from high-quality steel, its compact form highlights the technical prowess of Japanese smiths, who balanced aerodynamics, penetration, and durability for bows like the asymmetrical *yumi*. In Japanese culture, archery was more than a weapon; it was integral to samurai warfare, hunting, and later ritual practices in *kyūdō*. Arrowheads like this *yanone* came in diverse shapes for specific uses—piercing armor, whistling in flight, or even poisoning—reflecting a blend of functionality and artistry. Though the artist remains unknown, the object's survival speaks to its value, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department, gifted from Giovanni P. Morosini's collection in 1932. Visitors will appreciate how this unassuming piece bridges utility and elegance, offering a window into Japan's martial heritage during a time of relative peace, when such tools symbolized enduring warrior traditions.