From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Samurai baton
A
saihai
(
采配
)
was a
baton
carried by
samurai
commanders in feudal Japan, now used by
Kannushi
in formal settings. The saihai or sai-hai was a sign of rank and a signal device.
[1]
[2]
Appearance and use
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]
A saihai usually consisted of a
lacquered
wood stick with metal ends. The butt had a hole for a cord for the saihai to be hung from the
armor
of the samurai when not being used. The head of the saihai had a hole with a cord attached to a tassel of strips of lacquered paper, leather, cloth or
yak
hair.
[3]
[4]
The saihai first came into use during the 1570s and the 1590s between the Genki and Tensho year periods. Large troop movements and improved and varied tactics required commanders in the rear to be able to signal their troops during a battle.
[5]
Gallery
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Edo period commanders baton "saihai" with a yak hair tassle
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Japanese (samurai) commanders signal baton "saihai" with leather tassels
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Japanese (samurai) commanders signal baton "saihai" with leather tassels
See also
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References
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Japanese weapons, armour and equipment
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Swords
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Knives and daggers
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Polearms and spears
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Practice weapons
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Armour
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Clothing
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Samurai accoutrements
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Chain and rope weapons
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Clubs and truncheons
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Staff weapons
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Projectile and throwing weapons
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Firearms
and guns
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Improvised and other weapons
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Signal devices
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Users
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Buildings
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Architectonic elements
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Styles
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Decorations
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