Head of a Su-Yari (spear)
Culture
Japanese
Date1600s–early 1800s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions34.5 × 1.5 × 0.7 cm (13 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/4 in.)
Overall1: 6 oz (0.4 lb.)
Overall1: 6 oz (0.4 lb.)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.396
DescriptionCollar 5/8 inch, tang of rectangular cross-section, pierced by a peg-hole.Label TextToday we associate samurai with swords, but they were in fact well rounded martial artists who were expected to master a range of weapons for use on horseback and on foot. The yari was one of the most important of these: in battle, the spear was the weapon of choice, and the sword served only as a backup. Spearheads were made using similar techniques to swords, and often by the same smiths.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Mrs. Goldman, the buyer of the entire lot #155 at the Morosini Armor sale#3986, October 11, 1932 at the American Art Galleries (NYC), lot of 20 Japanese arrowheads.. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 2202
