Gunbai 軍配（ぐんばい） This is a traditional Japanese gunbai, a command fan historically used by military leaders to direct troops on the battlefield The gunbai later became widely known through sumo wrestling, where it is used by referees to signal and judge the outcome of a bout Made from wood and finished with lacquer, with silk elements, this piece reflects the functional beauty and authority associated with Japanese command tools Rather than serving as a cooling fan, a gunbai was a symbol of command, decision, and ritual, embodying both martial culture and ceremonial presence With its solid construction and restrained materials, this gunbai represents an authentic example of a Japanese cultural object rooted in samurai tradition and later ceremonial use It is well suited for collectors of Japanese art, samurai-related objects, or those seeking a distinctive piece with strong historical character --- Artist Profile Artist unknown --- Accessories None --- Dimensions & Weight Height 2 cm Width 41 cm Depth 20.5 cm Weight 157 g --- Technique & Condition Technique Woodworking Condition Good condition – used with small signs of aging & blemishes --- Shipping Shipping via Japan Post EMS from Japan. Items are shipped only to countries where EMS delivery from Japan is available. Items are securely packed to ensure safe international delivery. Import duties, VAT, and customs handling fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer. For bidders in the United States: Please note that Japan Post is currently not accepting EMS shipments of commercial goods to the United States. If the winning bidder’s shipping address is in the United States, the item will be shipped via DHL Express instead. Please be aware that shipping costs via DHL are significantly higher than EMS rates.