Antique firefighter's Hikeshi-Banten, Incredible rare Edo period jacket.
During this time in Japan there were many wooden buildings so firefighting was an important job, many of the firefighters had a very high status and were proud of their roles. These jackets were intricately decorated for the individual wearer, hand dyed with natural indigo dye, and tsutsugaki which is a resist dye technique.
They are sashiko stitched with layers of fabric. In a fire these jackets were soaked in water to protect them in a fire, this would make them weigh up to 30kg. Purchased from a famous family's storehouse in Japan.
A beautiful and very wearable jacket in excellent condition.
