tan coat with embroidered circular element on back top center; attachment at PR arm with same embroidery with blue silk lining

Fireman’s parade coat (kajibaori), 19th century

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Kajibaori are short coats for firemen used in festive parades, staged to remind people to be cautious and to prevent fires. This example was made of a blend of cotton and silk dyed light brown. The material suggests it was worn by a samurai or a wealthy merchant who volunteered as a firefighter. Contrary to the usual construction of haori (short coats), this particular one has the lower half of the center-back seam unsewn to permit freedom of movement, similar to jinbaori, or coats worn by samurai over suits of armor. The weave of the fabric produces subtle horizontal stripes across the entirety of the garment, most evident on the lower back.

On the upper back, a crest that appears to be of embracing oak leaves is embroidered with white silk threads.

Details
Title
Fireman’s parade coat (kajibaori)
Role
Maker
Accession Number
2019.20.98a-c
Catalogue Raisonne
Murray et al. 2018, pl. 58
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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tan coat with embroidered circular element on back top center; attachment at PR arm with same embroidery with blue silk lining