This striking indigo-dyed jacket is an authentic Edo-period style firefighter’s coat (hikeshi banten), a garment once worn by members of Japan’s organized fire brigades. Made from densely woven cotton for durability, the jacket features bold sashiko-style stitching and resist-dyed patterns, both for visual impact and added structural strength.
On the front panels, white kanji characters spell out the name of the brigade, while the back showcases a large, stylized brigade crest encircled in white, a mark of identity and pride. The geometric crest is dyed in a rich brick-red, a traditional color believed to symbolize strength and protection. The sweeping wave-like designs at the hem are executed in fine white-on-indigo weaving, balancing boldness with intricate detail.
Firefighter coats like this were often soaked in water before entering a blaze, providing limited but crucial protection. Today, they are highly sought after as collectible artifacts, representing the bravery, craftsmanship, and unique visual language of Japan’s firefighting history.
Details:
Era: Edo to early Meiji period style
Material: Indigo-dyed cotton with sashiko stitching
Techniques: Katazome (stencil dyeing), hand-stitching
Features: Brigade name in kanji, large back crest, wave motifs
