Sashimono
(War Banner)

Sashimono are war banners, generally worn by ashigaru (common soldier) and samurai alike. The samurai warrior would attach their sashimono to their backs, using a gattari & machi-uke (bracket) and dake-no-koto (bamboo pole). War banner typically portray the Daimyo or Samurai Clan’s mon (symbol) and sometimes samurai squad details (such as stripes). Sometimes elite samurai, who were sufficiently famed or respected, might have their own personal design or name featured on their personal war banner. They allowed warriors to be easily identified by clan associations while marching or on the battle field.  Battle Flags became prominent during the end of the Sengoku Period (Warring States Period) from the 15^th to the early 17^th century.

Iron Mountain Armory offers many custom options to make your Sashimono more personal for you and your clan. War banners were made in a large variety of shapes and sizes and made of asa (hemp linen).   In general, the small flag is worn by ashigaru or samurai within a unit. Medium sized flags are worn by the Gashira (unit leader) samurai or samurai who need to be clearly identified (officers, commanders, etc).  The large clan flags would typically be carried or fixed in the hatadai (Banner Floor Stand) to mark troop rally points or camps.

Keeping with tradition, Iron Mountain Armory  will craft your sashimono in 1 of the 3 common sizes, from asa (hemp linen). Traditionally the mon on the war flag was painted on 1 side only, making the reverse side of the banner blank. We offer the option to print on both sides of the banner. We also offer 2 printing options, which are “traditional” and “modern“. Traditional is done through screen printing, in which the ink absorbs into the asa extending life of the banner. Modern is printed with a vinyl heat transfer, giving a more vibrant contrast. Please reference the product pictures to see details and read notes below before ordering.  Using either traditional or modern printing we are happy to make your custom sashimono with one of our standard clan mon or your own custom symbol. Simply reply to your order confirmation email with your single color, clip-art style image (jpg, png, tiff or pdf) of your custom mon (It needs to be of printable resolution of minimum 40 cm). If you would like a custom sized banner, please contact us with your size requirements for pricing.

If you are planning to wear this banner on the back of your armor, much like the samurai of Feudal Japan did, you should order your samurai armor set with the option Gattari (banner holder) listed in the options section of the armor set order form.

Features: Sashimono

• Available in 3 sizes
• Small: 76×24 cm     Medium: 100×45 cm   Large:  190×58 cm
• Optional linen color and mon options available, including custom

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Please Read & Note BEFORE Ordering: The Sashimono samurai war banner are sold without the Dake-No-Koto (bamboo Banner Pole),  Uke Zutsu (Banner Base) or Hatadai (Portable Floor Stand). These are available accessories to add to your order for an additional cost.  To wear your sashimono with your armor, you will need the Dake-No-Koto and Uke-Zutsu which connect to your gattari / machi uke (not included).  The gattari / machi uke need to be ordered with your armor set or added after (sold separately). Traditional Printing may have sections of ink which is faded in some areas and possibly blemish or blur a little along the line, due to ink bleeding (this is natural).  Modern Printing may have some natural defects in the vinyl transfer which can result in some cracking or flaking. Traditionally the mon would be dyed on one side, only showing the silhouette of the mon on the reverse side of the banner. We understand some clients want their mon on both sides, so we offer double sided printing. Please know that due to mirror printing, we will likely need to double the material to avoid shadow or bleed through of the mon on the reverse side. Please select between the more traditional “Single Side” or more modern “Double Side” in the “Print Option” section above.  Dark banner with light TRADITIONAL print option may have a faded / vintage look, we recommend modern printing for a light mon on a dark banner. These banners are handmade and traditional as possible and because of this they will not be perfect, so please be aware there may be some natural defects or blemishes.

There are many different details and options when ordering your custom sashimono.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the

Terms:
Uke Zutsu – A wooden “socket” or base in which the sashimono pole is fitted. Used to anchor your poles to your Gattari & Machi Uke.
Gattari – A bracket fixed to the back of the do (cuirass), shoulder level, which supports the the uke zutsu.
Machi Uke – A pillow with rope fixed to the back of the do (cuirass), waist level, which anchors the uke zutsu into place.

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Reference:  Wikipedia / Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan – By William E. Deal / The Samurai Armour Glossary  – by Ian Bottomley & David Thatcher