Fireman's short coat (hikeshi-banten) [from a set], late 19th-early 20th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Cloth: cotton; sashiko (decorative reinforcement stitching), katazome (stencil resist)expand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fund and the Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation; purchase from the Thomas Murray Collectionexpand_more 2019.20.124.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
Firefighters’ coats were not only practical; they were a sign of pride. When worn during processions and other celebrations in town, they would have been turned inside out to reveal the brighter and more detailed designs on the interior. This coat was patterned with a variety of auspicious symbols through stencil-resist dye. The symbols include fox spirits and Hotei (a Buddhist deity), both likely intended to offer luck and protection to the wearer during his dangerous encounters with the flames.
Details
- Title
- Fireman's short coat (hikeshi-banten) [from a set]
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 2019.20.124.1
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murray et al. 2018, pl. 55
- 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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