Gunbai

The Gunbai (軍配) is a fan that was carried by samurai commanders in feudal Japan. It later came to be used by kannushi in formal settings. The Gunbai served as a sign of rank and was used for signaling troops.

Usage of Gunbai

The Gunbai first came into use between the 1570s and 1590s, during the Genki and Tensho periods. The need for its use arose due to large troop movements and improved and varied tactics, which required commanders in the rear to be able to signal and give orders to their soldiers during a battle.

Description of Gunbai

A Gunbai typically consists of a lacquered wooden stick with metal ends. The butt of the stick has a hole for a rope so that it could be hung from the samurai's armor when not in use. The head of the Gunbai has a hole with a cord attached to a tassel made of strips of lacquered paper, leather, cloth, or yak hair.