Saihai
(Commander Baton)

Description

Saihai was one of the most important tools / accessories of any officer, which was used as a baton.  The Saihai consists of a lacquered wooden baton with either hair, leather or lacquered paper, attached to the end. Similar to the Gunbai (war fan) the baton emphasized command for any samurai carrying it and was sometimes passed from father to son. Starting during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333 A.D.) the saihai was an essential tool in which high ranking samurai used to order his troops on and off the field of battle.  The saihai changed its function during the Edo Period, becoming an accessory to wear with the armor as a symbol of rank and power.  Iron Mountain Armory has created a practical, authentic and economical reproduction of a traditional saihai.

Features:

• Natural or painted wood
• Material options: Yak hair, horse hair or leather
• Baton length ~37 cm

Handcrafted by Iron Mountain Armory at the time of your order.  Please allow at least 1 to 2 week for crafting of this item.

References: Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan – By Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook

Additional information