Sumo Referee’s Accessory with Daoist Motif
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
Having the shape of a war fan or signal baton (gunbai uchiwa), used historically by Japanese military commanders to communicate with their troups, today these are carried by sumo referrees to call the winner of a match. Based originally on the shape of a Chinese flag, the sun, moon, and big dipper motif is commonly featured as decoration. This example additionally is decorated with a yin/yang inscription associated with a Daoist context.
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"