Indigo Fireman's Jacket

Firemen wore these jackets with pride during processions and other events in the late 19th-early 20th century, due to the constant threat of fires in Japan.  Not only did these jackets portray them as being brave and strong, they also protected them from the heat of fires.

The coat, or "hanten," is made of quilted, indigo-dyed cotton with small running stitches, or "sashiko," throughout the whole garment. The jacket is made of 2-3 layers of cotton, with cotton batting in between them. The symbols and stripes were creating using a paste-resist dying technique, which was done before the sashiko. Before coming into contact with flames, these garments were soaked with water, which made them very heavy, but safe.

The characters on the front describe their job and group, which may have been "Kozakai Defense Group 8th Branch."

Circa: Early 20th Century

Origin: Japan

Material: Cotton

Condition: Good

Dimensions: Fits like a L-XL

Inventory number: WR5000