Signed 17th C. Japanese Edo Bladed Polearm / Su Yari

East Asia, Japan, Edo period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. A wonderful example of a bladed polearm known as a "su yari" with a lengthy wooden pole, an iron bottom tip with a tapered tip, and a straight, forged-steel blade with a groove filled with red lacquer. One upper area of the pole is decorated with jet-black lacquer as well as a tightly wrapped twine that is painted in golden-yellow paint. The narrow blade has sharpened edges, a protruding back crest, and a pointed tip, and one side of the tang exhibits the signature "Tadakuni." Size: 1.375" W x 61.6" H (3.5 cm x 156.5 cm).

According to ancient weapons expert Harvey J.S. Withers, "A short lance or spear, the Japanese yari was not intended to be thrown in the traditional Western military fashion. It was used by both the Samurai and the common Japanese foot-soldier, or ashigaru. There are many different styles of yari. The two main types are the su yari (straight-bladed) and the kama yari (with horizontal crossbars on the blade)." (Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 80)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#150234
Condition Report: Blade is removable from wooden pole. Minor abrasions to blade and pole, with light fading to some lacquered areas. Great patina throughout.