Fan (a), flat iron, gold sun and moon on back, 2 dragons on front, orange silk cord and tassels; usually decorated with the sun, moon or stars of the Big Dipper. Used as a weapon or shield. Fan carried by commanders in time of action. Its use in signaling came when brandished as a symbol of authority. Originally made of leather. In bag (b)
Donor:
Maurice K. Schiffman
Collection place:
Japan
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Dragons
Function:
1.7 Fighting, Warfare, and Social Control
Accession date:
1968
Department:
Asia (except western Russia)
Loans:
S1983-1984 #22: Mills College (October 30, 1983–December 15, 1983)