A Japanese Indigo-Dyed Fireman’s Coat (Hikeshi Banten)
A Japanese Indigo-Dyed Fireman's Coat (Hikeshi Banten)
A Japanese fireman’s coat, or hikeshi banten, constructed of multiple layers of indigo-dyed cotton densely quilted with sashiko stitching. The back is boldly decorated in resist-dyed white with a large crest above a striking geometric design incorporating stylized characters, identifying the wearer’s firefighting brigade or organization. These heavily constructed coats were worn by Japanese firemen during the Edo and Meiji periods, the densely quilted cotton traditionally being soaked with water before fighting a fire.
Provenance: The estate of John Adair Jr. (1942–2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques in Tokyo (est. 1978), a renowned destination for Japanese basketry, prints and furniture.
- Period
- c.1880 - 19th Century
- Origin
- Japan
- Dimensions
- 35.5" h x 47.5" w
- 90.2cm h x 120.7cm w
- Item #
- NA1961