Omi no Yari (long spear)
Culture
Japanese
Datelate 1400s–early 1500s
Mediumsteel, wood, lacquer, copper, iron and cord
Dimensions279 × 51.5 cm (109 13/16 × 20 1/4 in.), 4 lb, 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.246
DescriptionSteel long double edged blade with rounded point & of triangular section. Edges are parallel to tip, flat face with carved decoration of row of addorsed crescents. Base of blade is octagonally faceted, with long tang. This fits into long wooden shaft of circular section, the upper third of which is spirally wrapped & coated in black lacquer. This portion is divivded into three stages separated by copper bands with long copper ferrule at top & barrel-shaped red lacquered spiralled ferrule below. Just below top stage, shaft has iron crossbar. This is of rectangular section with long arms that are slightly bent towards blade. Terminal of one of these is bent in line with axis of shaft, traces of black lacquer present. Butt of circular-section wooden shaft with copper band & iron butt cap drawn out into oval swelling. At one time black-lacquered. See Ogawa notes.ProvenanceAngelo Peyron (Florence, Italy) collection purchased by Museum on November 4, 1954 from Savoy Art & Auction Galleries (NYC), sale no. 450, lot no. 585. Price of $25 included HAM#s 3082.1-4. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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