Belt, Thousand Stitch, Japanese, Senninbari haramaki

Very nice genuine WWII Japanese cloth belt, Senninbari haramaki. Just like the good-luck flag offered by families and friends (Hinomaru yosegaki) or the war banner given by some local association or patriotic organization, the 'one-thousand stitch belt' is one of the main spiritual protection artifacts carried by the Nipponese serviceman departing for war. Its origins seem to date back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). Designed by the warrior's mother, sister, or spouse, it was a participative work, made up of a plain fabric strip intended for being tied around the waist, on which various motifs and messages of encouragement were to be sewn: traditionally, these inscriptions were supposed to be composed of one thousand stitches and every single stitch was to be embroidered by a different woman at the request of the initiator. 

The present belt is adorned with the Japanese flag in the center and features two symbols on each side of the latter; all the motifs have been embroidered with red thread, in accordance with the national colors.

Excellent overall conditon. Total length: about 37in.