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Yanone (arrowhead) of Flat Type (hirane) with Pierced Design
Yanone (arrowhead) of Flat Type (hirane) with Pierced Design
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Yanone (arrowhead) of Flat Type (hirane) with Pierced Design

Culture
Date1600s–early 1800s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions24.1 × 3.8 × 0.6 cm (9 1/2 × 1 1/2 × 1/4 in.), 1.4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.505
Label TextThese arrowheads embody the outstanding skill of traditional Japanese metalcraft. Even the simplest of them demonstrates the maker's technical and artistic mastery. The “willow-leaf” and “gut-gouger” heads were used in battle. The forked “wild goose” arrowhead was prized both on the battlefield and for hunting; a pierced whistling bulb of wood, horn or bone with holes was sometimes attached to it to induce terror or signal troops into action. The flat, pointed heads with saw-cut designs were offered as gifts or rewards.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on October 21, 1935 from Yamanaka & Co. (NYC). Price of $40 paid for lot of five. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view