Uma-jirushi

Uma-jirushi (馬印, horse insignia) were massive flags used in feudal Japan to identify a daimyō or equally important military commander on the field of battle.

While many were simply large flags, not very different from sashimono or hata-jirushi, most were three-dimensional figures, more like kites, and in the shape of bells, gongs, umbrellas, or streamers.

The ō-uma-jirushi was the nucleus of action on the battlefield, and while it aided the organization and morale of friendly troops, it also attracted the attention of enemy warriors.

The ō-uma-jirushi was sometimes held in a leather bucket attached to the carrier's belt; the especially large ones would often be securely strapped into a carrying frame on the warrior's back.

This text describes the heraldry of most, if not all, of the major samurai families of the battles of the Sengoku period.