HANTEN Kimono - Building Industry Work Jacket

This remarkable worker’s jacket (hanten) reflects the resilience and craftsmanship of Japan’s Edo–Meiji period artisans, worn by members of merchant or craft guilds. Constructed from sturdy handwoven cotton and dyed in rich natural indigo, the jacket served not only as daily workwear but also as a visible marker of professional pride and affiliation.

The jacket is dyed in deep indigo, accented with bold white resist-dyed designs. The front panels display strong geometric bands, creating balance and symmetry while framing the wearer’s body. Inscribed characters along the lapels declare the affiliation or guild identity, marking the wearer as part of a collective.

On the back, the most prominent motif emerges: a powerful crest-like emblem paired with interlocking geometric forms along the hem. These designs were not merely decorative but conveyed stability, order, and strength — qualities essential to both the trade and the community it served.

Hanten like this were essential garments for workers, merchants, and tradesmen in bustling Edo-period towns. Beyond their protective function, they embodied identity and solidarity, often bearing the crest or name of a shop or guild. Much like firefighter’s coats, these jackets were also displayed with pride during festivals, becoming symbols of community loyalty as well as everyday durability.

Details

Type: Worker’s jacket (hanten)

Material: Handwoven cotton, sashiko-reinforced stitching

Techniques: Indigo dyeing, tsutsugaki resist decoration

Motifs: Crest emblem, bold geometric patterns, guild characters

Era: Edo–Meiji period, 19th century