photo #2989881

Ai Jirushi These small flags are called Ai-Jirushi, battle identification flags and were worn in battle attached to the samurai armour. The larger Ai-Jirushu would have been worn on the left Sode (shoulder guard), and another similar one tied forward facing at the hip. Another of these identification tags would be tied to the back of the kabuto (helmet). In some cases, the helmet tag would have the wearer's name and other information recorded, so that if his head was taken, the victor would know who's head it was. Similar identification tags would be tied to the upper end of spears and other weapons. To be sure, samurai armies would also use Ai-Kotoba (passwords) for further identification. This particular set came from the warehouse of a retainer of the Ikeda Clan based in Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture. The square shaped crest is called the Kuginuki, or "Nail Puller" crest.