Japanese yumi
I believe it’s Japanese. I went to a ww2 soldiers house who passed away and purchased this and a beautiful book on Japanese textiles. He was stationed in Japan from the end of the war to around 1949. Think I have his uniform as well. I’m well known as a military collector and was contacted before the estate sale.
81 inches long, tip to tip. Concave on the inside from tip to tip, 99% sure it’s bamboo. The yumi looks crooked in the one photo but it’s not. It’s surprisingly straight from side to side. It looks like where it’s held is not center. Like modern bows.
Other
Yes
Hello,
Your item is an antique Japanese yumi, a traditional asymmetrical longbow used in the practice of kyūdō, Japanese archery. Based on the information provided and visual inspection, this piece measures approximately 81 inches (206 cm) in length and appears to be made of laminated bamboo—consistent with authentic yumi construction. The curvature and central grip placement align with traditional asymmetry, where the grip is set below center, allowing the bow to be used on horseback or in kneeling positions.
The provenance indicates it was acquired from the estate of a World War II veteran who was stationed in Japan until around 1949. This timeline supports the possibility of the yumi being either a mid-20th-century piece or an earlier example preserved during that period. The bow appears structurally sound with natural signs of age, including patina and wear consistent with its use and age. The concave interior (belly) and straight profile further suggest it was crafted for functionality, not merely decoration.
In terms of market value, antique Japanese yumi can vary significantly depending on age, maker, and condition. Examples from the Edo period or those associated with specific schools or ceremonial purposes may fetch much higher prices. A mid-20th-century bamboo yumi, especially one with wartime provenance and in well-preserved condition, typically commands:
