Japanese large banner decorated with Shōki, the demon queller. This textile, over five meters high, is skillfully hand painted while the two mon on the top are printed with stencils. The mythical Shōki is depicted standing while, hidden from the side, the head of a demon can be glimpsed. These banners, very often used as flags, were used in Japan during the children's day on the fifth day of the fifth month. Unsigned. 19th cent. 520 x 71 cm