Uma-jirushi (馬印) were identifiers used on the battlefield during the Sengoku period in Japan. These identifiers were attached to the end of a long handle and placed by the horse or in the main camp to indicate the location of a military commander. They are also referred to as "horse labels" or "horse signs."
Use of Uma-jirushi
On the battlefield, lowering the Uma-jirushi was a sign of retreat and was considered a disgrace for the military commander. This article also discusses the predecessor of Uma-jirushi, known as "Hata-jirushi," which served a similar purpose.
Evolution of Uma-jirushi
Before the advent of Uma-jirushi, banners or quarter flags were used and placed around the commander. Over time, various materials were used to create more distinctive Uma-jirushi. The article cites two sources that discuss the origin of Uma-jirushi:
- The "Koyo Gunkan" states that during the Battle of Kawagoe in 1546, a vassal of Hojo Ujiyasu, Daidoji (possibly Daidoji Masashige), killed an enemy, Honma Omi, and used his gold lantern as a small Uma-jirushi.
- The "Nobunaga Ki" states that the concept of Uma-jirushi did not exist until the Eiroku era and gradually became more prevalent. However, this contradicts the account in the "Koyo Gunkan," possibly because it describes the origin within the Oda family.
Use of Uma-jirushi and Hata-jirushi by Famous Military Commanders
The article discusses the use of Uma-jirushi and Hata-jirushi by famous military commanders during the Sengoku period. For example, Oda Nobunaga used a gold-coated umbrella as his Uma-jirushi, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi used a gold gourd upside down with a gold cut-off for his small Uma-jirushi and a gold fan for his large Uma-jirushi.