Japanese Sashimono Flags

By Crusader1307

These Banners were seen in Feudal Japan around the 15th thru 17th Centuries. These “flying insignia” were roughly 1.5 to 2 feet in diameter, width and length. They were used to identify troops and units in the field (very much as a Guidon). Attached to small wooden poles (2 to 4 feet long) shaped like the letter “L”, The Sashimono could be fitted to the back of a soldiers armor. In mounted terms, a special mounting bracket was designed to affix The Sashimono to the saddle. They were designed in square or rectangular shape. A similar type was seen in France and England (as a hand held banner), during The Hundred Years Wars.