This listing is for a full length nobori - a vintage Japanese banner or flag that would be flown outside the home on Boy's Day (May 5th), possibly along with a fish-shaped banner for each of the children in the home.

The imagery is of what appears to be a samurai who has captured an oni or demon at the bottom. Oni are a kind of yokai or demon in Japanese folklore. Near the top are several cartoonish animals - a monkey, a dog and a bird - and auspicious motifs (sake barrel, scrolls and bread?). Bright and bold colors - red, blue, black, gold, green, yellow, pink and more!

There is a wood sorrel family crest at the top and kanji lettering at the bottom.

This would be hung vertically using tabs sewn all along one side and across the top.

This banner is vintage - likely from the 1970s or 1980s - and still has vibrant colors and is in excellent condition. These banners are hand painted to appear the same on back and front.

A heavy cotton - not quite as heavy as denim or canvas, but quite sturdy.

Creating these banners is quite a process - see video below for how it is done these days and note the difference in color and design between this banner and more contemporary ones.