A Small Nobori Bata: Boys Day Banner with Family Crests

early twentieth century
71" x 12 1/2", 180 cm x 31.75 cm

This stately and hand stenciled length of hand spun, hand woven cotton cloth is a nobori bata.

A nobori bata is a decorative banner that is displayed on the occasion of boy's day, a celebration of boys and children.

These banners are often decorated with "masculine" subject matter such as depictions of historical scenes or of samurai which is a way of encouraging and emphasizing valor, nobility and other idealized masculine traits.

In this case, however, we see three mon or family crests, two of which are the same. The two identical mon depict stylized gentian while the unique one is dyed in blue dye and shows the image of the diamond flower. No doubt these family crests symbolized those of the parents whose child was celebrated on this holiday.

The designs shown on this banner were applied using a stencil. 

Charming.