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Public Domain

Sumo Referee’s Accessory with Daoist Motif

Late 19th century

Scroll

Sumo Referee’s Accessory with Daoist Motif

Late 19th century

Physical Qualities Burl wood, metal alloy, original silk cord, 16 9/16 × 7 1/16 × 1 3/16 in. (42 × 18 × 3 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Stephen W. Fisher, Baltimore
Object Number 2019.215
This object, shaped like a Chinese military flag, would have been used by a referree or umpire to call the winner of a Sumo match. The characters, which mean "dragon sings/tiger roars," alluding to yin-yang, are suggestive of Chinese Daoism. A sun and moon, along with stars representing the Big Dipper constellation, are affixed to the other side.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2019; Stephen W. Fisher, Baltimore
Collection installation, "Asia.The Art & Business of Writing", Levy Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, October 5, 2023-

Inscribed: Inscription on verso: "dragon sings/tiger roars"

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