2331 - Flag of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Kyokujitsuk made of red and white cotton fabric. Constructed in several sections. It depicts a red sun disc—the Hinomaru—slightly offset to the left, from which 16 red rays extend toward the edges against a white background. This 16-ray naval ensign was officially adopted on October 7, 1889. Unlike the Army flag, which centered the red disk, the Navy flag placed the sun slightly closer to the hoist—the side where it is attached to the flagpole—so that the rays would unfurl more effectively in the wind. Dimensions: 176 x 270 cm. The cordage for attaching it to the mast is missing. Remnants of markings remain on the border. Note some wear and patina on the piece, as well as a few stains and snags. Condition II+. This size of flag was used on cruiser- and battleship-class vessels. Imperial Japanese Navy flag. Kyokujitsuki made of red and white cotton fabric. Composed of several sections. It depicts a red sun disc, the Hinomaru, slightly offset to the left, with 16 red rays extending toward the edges against a white background. This 16-ray naval ensign was officially adopted on October 7, 1889. Unlike the army flag, which placed the red disc in the center, the naval ensign positioned the sun closer to the hoist—the attachment side—allowing the rays to spread more effectively in the wind. Dimensions: 176 x 270 cm. Mast attachment cords are missing. Remnants of markings are visible on the border. Some wear, patina, stains, and snags should be noted. Condition II plus. A flag of this size was used aboard cruiser- or battleship-class vessels.