Forged by 東都藤原國重作, Japanese Yari spear 54 cm, Muromachi period (1336-1573); Exceptional Yari, forged by 東都藤原國重作 = “Toh-to Fujiwara Kunishige saku” “Toh-to” is Edo (now Tokyo). Another optional translation: Kunishige Fujiwara, Toto. There were 3 swordsmiths with the name Fujiwara: 1) Fujiwara from Yamato province, Era Kagen 1303-1306; Hawley rating 20; ¥3.56M=$26,500; 2) Fujiwara from Kaga province, Era Taiei (1521-1528); Hawley rating 20; ¥3.56M=$26,500; 3) Fujiwara from Hizen province, Era Kanei ( 1624-1644): Hawley rating 20; ¥3.56M=$26,500; Extremely sharp double edged blade, attracted to the magnet. Length: 540 mm = 54 cm; Weight: 177 g; Original scabbard made from wood and covered by leather. Provenance: Estate sale of a collector - American officer in Texas, USA. Reference: Yari (槍) is the term for a traditionally-made Japanese blade (nihonto)[2][3] in the form of a spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear.[4] The martial art of wielding the yari is called sōjutsu. Early yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese spears. These hoko yari are thought to be from the Nara period (710–794).[5][6] While they were present in early Japanese history, the term 'yari' appeared for the first time in written sources in 1334 and this type of spear did not become popular until the late 15th century.[1] The original warfare of the bushi was not a thing for commoners; it was a ritualized combat usually between two warriors who would challenge each other via horseback archery.[7] In the late Heian period, battles on foot began to increase and naginata, a polearm, became a main weapon along with a yumi (longbow).[8] The attempted Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 was one of the factors that changed Japanese weaponry and warfare. The Mongols employed Chinese and Korean footmen wielding long pikes and fought in tight formations. They moved in large units to stave off cavalry.[7] Polearms (including naginata and yari) were of much greater military use than swords, due to their significantly longer reach, lighter weight per unit length (though overall a polearm would be fairly hefty), and their great piercing ability.[7] In the Nanbokuchō period, battles on foot by groups became the mainstream and the importance of naginata further increased, but yari were not yet the main weapon. However, from the Onin War in 15th century in the Muromachi period, large-scale group battles started in which mobilized ashigaru (foot troops) fought on foot and in close quarters, and yari, yumi and tanegashima (Japanese matchlock) became the main weapons.[8][9][10][11] Swords in a full battle situation were therefore relegated to emergency sidearm status from the Heian through the Muromachi periods.[7] Around the latter half of the 16th century, ashigaru holding pikes (nagae yari) with length of 4.5 to 6.5 m (15 to 21 ft) became the main forces in armies. They formed lines, combined with soldiers bearing firearms tanegashima and short spears. Pikemen formed a two or three row line, and were trained to move their pikes in unison under command. All of The Three Great Spears of Japan were forged by the 16th century in the Muromachi period.[12] The yari eventually became more popular than the yumi (longbow) as a weapon for the samurai, and foot troops (ashigaru) followed suit and used them extensively.[7] With the coming of the Edo period the Yari had fallen into disuse. Greater emphasis was placed on small-scale, close quarters combat, so the convenience of swords led to their dominance, and pole-arms and archery lost their practical value. During the peaceful Edo period, yari were still produced (sometimes even by renowned sword-smiths), although they existed mostly as either a ceremonial weapon or as a police weapon.