Antique Japanese hikeshi banten, fireman's coat. Made of layers of cotton fabric and stitched in the sashiko quilting technique. Fires were common in Japanese urban areas due to the dense population as well as construction material (primarily wood and paper). Fire brigades were made up of samurai class (buke hikeshi) as well as common class (machi hikeshi). Their primary goal in containing a fire was to tear down the surrounding buildings so the fire had no more fuel. These special coats were worn after being drenched in water as a way to protect the wearer from flaming embers. Dramatic designs depicting scenes of heroism were a preferred decoration and thought to protect the wearer. This coat is decorated with a scene of a lord, a demon and a samurai. When the fire was extinguished, the firemen would turn their coats inside out to show off their colorful designs.

Age: Edo/Meiji Period (19th century)

Dimensions: 45 1/2" high x 49 1/2" wide