A sashiba was a fan-shaped tool with a long handle attached to it. When nobles went out, or when the Emperor appeared on the throne servants held it out and used it to hide their masters faces. Here is one made of wood covered in cloth and black lacquer with a courtly image on front in worn colors on white. On the dark backside, barely visible, is an image of a protective deity. Iron fittings protect the handle and joints. It is made to slot into a longer pole. Overall it is 41 cm (16 inches) wide, 69.5 cm (27-1/2 inches) long. There is much wear to the original image of courtiers on a veranda under a pine which was performed in polychrome color on white gofun, a style considered fitting for royal decoration. It comes enclosed in a large box titled Saishoku Sashiba, Ichimen (One Colored Sashiba).
