Nobori (flag). Several metres of plain cloth with a painting of warriors at the lower end. 214 x 28. Typewritten label affixed reads: "NOBORI. These are placed outside houses where there are boys at the Boy's Festival on May 5th. The pictures represent heroes of old times, and it is hoped that they will have the effect of inspiring the boys with the same spirit of heroism for their country. NOBORI I. The upper central figure is Kato Kiyomasa, who lived about 400 years ago about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign. He made war on Korea. There are now beautiful shrines to be seen erected in his memory where his spirit is worshipped. He is seen riding on a horse, and we may notice the lacquered wooden stirrups, the armour and the helmet. The smaller face behind him is the soldier who runs behind the horse, and the lower picture is a retainer. The word NOBORI means climbing and the banners "climb" the bamboo poles as they run up on loops by cotton loops (which should be provided). The accompanying sketch [also on the label] will show clearly how the banners should be displayed."
