Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>)

Arrowhead (<i>Yanone</i>)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although today Japanese warriors are renowned most for their swordsmanship, archery, especially from horseback, has been an essential part of samurai warfare and culture for centuries. Arrows were fitted with heads of varying shape according to their intended use in war, the hunt, or target practice. This arrowhead and others like it also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. nos. 32.75.489, .494, .503, .506, .519, .562, .586, .591, .657, .658, .659) were made for use on the battlefield, with different designs intended for specialized purposes such as the piercing of armor or to cause maximum damage to horses and unarmored personnel. On the other hand, highly elaborate examples (acc. nos. 32.75.318, .321, .327, .330, .334, .337, .339, .340, .398, .399, .403, .406, .409, 36.25.2616) were made as gifts or for ceremonial purposes. This arrowhead combines the barbed shape of the "stomach-ripper" (wata kuri) with the lance-head shape (togari-ya).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.