Gunbai
(War Fan)

Gunbai (Samurai War Fan / Command Batton) was an instrument used by Daimyo, Samurai Taisho (generals) and Gashira (officers); worn to show rank and used to command their samurai and ashigaru troops on and off the battlefield. Carried by the samurai or worn on the armor, the gunbai would represent the rank of the samurai as an officer and his right to lead troops. The gunbai were typically family heirlooms, passed from father to son in succession.   These gunbai were unique, over the Saihai (command baton), and were made from solid wood or layered iron and wood, or even solid iron. The iron gunbai especially, could be used as a defensive weapon as well, to protect against surprise attacks, swords and arrows.

These samurai war fans are very economical accessories to compliment your samurai armor set, home decor, samurai COSPLAY or LARP kit.  They can be attached or tied to the armor or body, pack flat for easy transport and make a great addition to your collection. Iron Mountain Armory is happy to customize your war fan for you with a samurai clan mon or your own custom mon or leave it blank for you to add your own.

History: The history of the gunbai is unclear but is believed to have come into service during the Kamakura Rule of the Minamoto-Hojo, between 1192 and 1333 A.D.  It is known that Uesugi Kenshin wielded a gunbai at the Battle of Kawanakahima in 1563 A.D.  The war fan became more popular during the mid 16th century.  It was also believed that the gunbai may have had superstitious powers, giving protection and the right to lead as a tribal chief to anyone wielding it.

Features: Gunbai

• Crafted from Wood.
• Customizable Mon Options.
• 37 cm in length.

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Please Note: Please note the Mon are hand painted and may have some blemish.  If you request Custom Mon, please reply to your order confirmation with the mon or logo attached to your e-mail. Please note we can only print one color “Clip Art” type of logo.  Selecting “No Mon” will mean that no mon will be painted on your fan.

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References: Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan – By Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook