"SOLD" with thanks

Age: Edo period.

Remarks: This Gumbai or "War Fan" is covered with gold and black lacquer. It features bold Tokugawa family crests. Attributed to the Tokugawa Shogun during the later part of the 17th century. The lacquer has worn away on the handle use and age. A remarkable find.

When you add the word "war" to anything, even something so seemingly harmless as a fan, you have to know that means trouble. Even before the courtly transformation, the military used Gumpai War Fans on a regular basis. They were different than the collapsible, folding Tessen fans, rather being formed of one solid piece, strapped to a handle or staff. Most of these -- known as Gumbai -- Generally this type of fan also was used to denote senior military rank, carried only by Army Commanders, Daimyo or the Shogun.