Need help with ID

[ChrisS5917]

Greetings All!
I recently picked up a group of collectibles including some purported WWII Japanese bring backs. I collect German & have no expertise in this arena. The story I got from the family had been "romanticized" over the years and who knows if any truth was interwoven or even remained. Anyway, I'm asking assistance with identifying the origin of the silk scarf shown in the photographs below. It is roughly 24" x 24" and the graphic is on one side only. There are no other marks or notations on either side. Can anyone identify this piece or say if it is military in nature? My thanks in advance!

[GHP]

Hi Chris,

That's a Furoshiki 風呂敷 -- a wrapping cloth. The word Furo means bath; so people would (and some still do) carry their clothes/ supplies to the public bath. They are used all over the place to carry gifts, etc. I have one to keep my swordsmanship uniform wrapped up when going to the dojo.

The vet probably picked it up during the Occupation.







--Guy

[Jareth]

Great post Guy! I had my SNLF Furoshiki framed

[ChrisS5917]

RE Help wit ID

Thank you very much for your reply and for the information. I didn't expect my mystery to be solved so quickly!

So this is not necessarily a piece of Japanese militaria but, at the same time, it would not have been uncommon for anyone, including a solder, to use one as needed? Is there any way to date such a piece? Are they a "tourist item?"

Here is the story the family gave to me about this "Furoshiki ." According to them, this was a cloth given to (what else!?) Kamakazi Pilots before they left on their final mission. The vet had picked them up at an air base from where these pilots flew to attack shipping. The Furoshikis were held in supply on the base while awaiting a pilot to be paired with. As I said, the story was "romanticized" over the years.

In my field of collecting, the (fill in item name, here) was always "taken from a dead SS Officer." Oh well, if it brings happiness to the vet and his family, who am I to object. And who knows, sometimes the tale just might be true!

Thank you again. If you know the answers to my follow-up questions I would greatly appreciate hearing from you again.

[GHP]

Great post Guy! I had my SNLF Furoshiki framed

Jareth,

What motiff is on that furoshiki?

Mine was prepared by my teacher's family as gifts to those who attended his funeral. It is about 30" x 30", maroon, with the single character in sensei's calligraphy for "nothingness" 無

This is not sensei's calligraphy, but similar

In addition to being a fencing master, he was a calligraphy master.

Cheers!
--Guy

[Jareth]

Guy, I haven't seen another like my printed SNLF example. It has SNLF headquarters building in Shanhai, navy helmet, cherry blossoms, anchor etc. Great graphics & color