The tessen was considered a symbol of authority in Japan as well as a common self-defense weapon when otherwise unarmed or in extraordinary situations. These folding
tessen are 8 sun (almost 10 inches) long, and made with iron outside ribs and bamboo inner ribs, and thick, high-quality Japanese
washi (paper). The stand is sold separately.
The gunbai uchiwa is a solid Japanese
war fan used by samurai officers to communicate commands to
their troops. It is also a key accessory of a gyoji
(referee) in professional sumo to indicate the victorious
wrestler. The stand is sold
separately.
Whether samurai or townsman, the
Japanese consider the
sensu, or folding hand fan, an important accessory
regardless of gender and are rarely without one in any social
situation.
