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 three samurai on horseback in bright, colorful armor. All have fierce expressions - look closely to see the brushstrokes of facial hair. Bold and bright colors - red, brown, purple, black, yellow, green, and more!

Lots of golden glitter embellishment - sure to glimmer on a sunny day. An imperial castle is above the samurai, are they protectors or intruders?

There is a water plantain family crest at the top with a paulownia crest and kanji 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.