Description

Antique Japanese uma-jirushi, flag standard for battle. This uma-jirushi is a large inverted gourd surrounded by smaller gourds. The great daimyo, Hideyoshi Toyotomi (famous for being the second unifier of Japan) made the upside down gourd his uma-jirushi symbol. A large upside down gourd was placed on top of his flag pole and smaller gourds were added around it with each victory. Called “Sen nari hisago” or “thousand gourds”. The gourd also symbolizes the 7 Lucky Gods, good luck, good health and prosperity. All important when heading into battle. Made of wood with gold and black lacquer. On a custom made metal stand.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 34 1/4″ high (32 1/2″ high not including stand)