Blade for a Spear (Jūmonji-yari) with Sheath

Bladesmith Blade inscribed by Munemichi Japanese

dated August 1727

Not on view

The use of spears became increasingly common during the late Muromachi period (1392–1573), a time of near-constant military conflict. Stabbing weapons to be used on foot, they typically measured around seven feet in length, allowing for maneuverability in close quarters. Spearheads varied in size and shape; this example is of a type with a cruciform structure. The sheath bears the crest (mon) of Matsudaira, a branch of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Artwork Details

Title: Blade for a Spear (Jūmonji-yari) with Sheath
Bladesmith: Blade inscribed by Munemichi (Japanese, active 18th century)
Date: dated August 1727
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel, wood, lacquer, gold, copper
Dimensions: H. with sheath 22 7/8 in. (58.1 cm); spear (a): H. 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm); W. 6 in. (15.2 cm); Wt. 14.5 oz. (411.1 g); sheath (b): W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); Wt. 7.5 oz. (212.6 g); shaft (c): H. 78 in. (198 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 4.1 oz. (1023.4 g)
Classification: Shafted Weapons
Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Object Number: 2018.833.26a–c
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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