Battle damaged Japanese flag - Opinions

[Old Marine]

Hello All,

 

This is another piece that I acquired years ago, with no story or history as to where, when or by whom it was picked up and bought home. It was saved from the trash can by the brother of a friend of mine during a house clean out who then passed it on to me.

 

To me the tears in this flag and the pattern look like damage caused by shell fragments. The flag is silk and the damage is not just normal cloth deterioration or rot. What do you guys think?

 

I would like to hear any opinions or comments. Also, I am not sure if I have the writing facing the right way or if I photographed this backwards. If it's displayed backwards I apologize.

 

Thanks

 

Dennis

 

[Old Marine]

A closer look.

[Eric Queen]

You are showing it backwards. Can you post a photo of the other side?

[Old Marine]

I knew it!

[Eric Queen]

Flag was given to Kawakami 川上 (surname) 庄造 Shouzou (given name) by the Wakamiya Hachimango Jinja (shrine) in Kyoto to commemorate his departure to the front.

 

 

http://eng.trip.kyoto.jp/spot/db/wakamiyahachimangu/

[Eric Queen]

I have never seen the main (on top) slogan before. 皇威宣揚 (read right to left on the flag). Literally means "increase the imperial power" but I am sure there is a better way of saying it (as a slogan)

[Old Marine]

Thank you Eric.