This is a 'tairyo-bata', great catch flag. It was presented to the new ship owner from relatives and
frineds, in prayer for safe and large catch . It has ship name, presenter's name and congratulatory motifs, which is dyed on cotton. Originally it was used to comunicate between ship and land, but later it became to use launching ceremony or decoration of New Year's Day.
This piece is from mid Showa period(Showa:1926-1989).
It has some flaws as photos show, but as a whole it is in very good condition.
photo:ozaki