Matoi (standard)
The Matoi ( Japanese 纏 ) were the standards of the fire department in the Japanese city of Edo (now Tokyo ) during the Edo period .
Each of the 48 fire brigades had its own Matoi, which, if a fire broke out in the city, was carried to the scene by the nearest unit and held there to show the other firefighters, the Hikeshi , the way to the place.
The Matoi consisted of a wooden pole about 1.80 meters high, from the top of which hung an elaborate figure made of paper maché, under which long strips of paper were attached. The spatial figures were unique for each brigade and resemble or show their characteristic characters. There are many drawings and illustrations of the Matoi from the 19th century.
The matoi still exist today, but are only used on solemn occasions.