Hello all,I thought I would share some photos of a nice Senninbari I recently acquired.I like it because it has several interesting things about it that make it a little different than the versions normally seen.This is the first in my collection to have two national flags incorporated into the design of the 1000 stitches.The flags are crossed above the characters Ki Buun Chokyu "I Pray Your Military Fortunes Are Everlasting" Flanking each flag and carefully wrapped in a festive colored fabric are two small coins that have been carefully sewn onto the belt for good luck.They are approximately 2 cm each and do not have the center hole you normally see in coins that are sewn onto these belts,hence the fabric covering to contain them.Another nice feature is a small shrine stamp applied between the two flags in red ink.
The material is not the white cotton material used in the other Senninbari in my collection but a nicer quality white silk. Between the layers of the belts fabric there is a small pocket/pouch for personal items that pinches closed when the belt is secured around the waist.Last but not least,sewn between the layers of fabric is a paper currency note that from what I understand,was intended by some families to be used to pay for the fallen soldier or sailors remains to be returned to his homeland if… he was found. It was a bit difficult to photograph but you will get the idea.It may be impossible to discern because of all the red threads on the inside of the belt,But I would love to see an example of the currency if anyone can I.D.it and has an example they could share. Regards,Geoff

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