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An Unusual Japanese Indigo-Dyed Fireman’s Coat (Hikeshi Banten)

An unusual Japanese fireman’s coat, or hikeshi banten, constructed of densely quilted cotton with fine sashiko stitching. The back is boldly decorated in resist-dyed cream with large interlocking, block-like characters surrounded by stylized cloud motifs. Particularly distinctive is the unusual aubergine-brown coloration of this side, contrasting with the traditional indigo-dyed reverse. The characters and markings likely identify the firefighting brigade, district, or sponsoring organization for which the coat was made.

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.