Japan, late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries
Small rimankyu archery set. These bow-and-arrow sets were traditionally carried in a nobleman’s
palanquin for personal protection while traveling. The bow is made of
baleen and is lacquered with a gold cloud and dragon motif. The set of eleven arrows includes ten with
lacquered shafts; three-feather fletchings (eagle feathers); bulbous ivory nocks; and bodkin heads. The
additional arrow is similar to the others, but it has a karimata head and four-feather fletching (two of
eagle and two of copper pheasant). The rack holding the bow and arrows is also of baleen with decoration
matching that of the bow; the leather covering on the base has a gilt aoi mon on the front. Set
stands 56.5 cm high.