This is a replica fan from Hōfuku-ji Temple in Shimoda, Izu (the "Wind-Waiting Gourd," a symbol of Sakamoto Ryōma's pardon from defection). I purchased it new during a family trip to Minami-Izu and have kept it carefully in a display case at home without ever using it. The size when the fan is opened is approximately 400mm x 270mm. (Explanation) 【Ryōma's Defection Was Pardoned in Shimoda】 (From "Sakamoto Ryōma: Shimoda Flight Story" published by the Izu Ryōma Association) A story created by a single storm. In the Bunkyū era, year 3 (1863), the Daipō Maru, carrying former Tosa Domain lord, Yamauchi Yōdō, was heading to Osaka, but took refuge in Shimoda Port due to a storm. Despite setting sail again, they narrowly avoided shipwreck and returned to Shimoda Port. Just then, the Jundō Maru, carrying the shogunate official Katsu Kaishū, along with Sakamoto Ryōma and others who had defected from the Tosa Domain, also entered Shimoda Port. Yōdō and Kaishū met at Hōfuku-ji Temple. During the meeting, Kaishū pleaded for Sakamoto Ryōma's defection to be pardoned. Yōdō, knowing that Kaishū was not a drinker, made him drink sake. Kaishū drank the sake that filled the "Vermilion Great Cup." And so, Ryōma's defection was pardoned. As proof of the pardon, Kaishū requested Yōdō's gourd. Yōdō, unable to give the gourd, drew the shape of a gourd on a white fan and wrote "Sui 360 times, Whale Sea Suikō" inside. Thus, Izu, Shimoda, became the place where Sakamoto Ryōma was able to devote himself to the great work of the Meiji Restoration without worry, the "Land of Ryōma's Flight." #SakamotoRyoma #KatsuKaishu #YamauchiYodo #Defection #Fan #Sensu #Ogi #Bakumatsu