Age: Early-Mid Edo.

Details: A very rare Sashimono Battle Flag that is original and hand made. Made of silk with gold lacquered leather squares. The Sashimono bears the mon of Daimyo Kyoguku Takatsugu. Some staining and discoloration commensurate with its age. This is a very fine example of an early period battle standard Sashimono.

Remarks: The Sashimono was the most important heraldic innovation introduced during the Sengoku Jidai. Most Sashimono consisted of a small flag similar to a nobori which was made rigid with two poles threaded through the cloth. The flag was flown from a lacquered wooden shaft securely fastened to the back of the armour, and held in place by a cord that passed under the armpits and was tied onto metal rings on the Samurai's do. The Sashimono would often bear the Daimyo's mon, giving uniformity to the whole army with different units distinguished by the background colour or field of the flag. This piece would make a fine addition to any Samurai Armor collection. Please inquire for further details or photographs.