This rare antique firefighter’s hanten (hikeshi banten) embodies the courage and artistry of Japan’s traditional fire brigades. Worn by volunteer firefighters during the late Edo to early Meiji period, these garments were both protective gear and powerful symbols of duty, unity, and pride.
Crafted from heavy, handwoven indigo-dyed cotton, reinforced with sashiko-style stitching.
The front lapels bear white stenciled kanji, reading 井通村消防組 第二部小頭 (Itsumura Fire Brigade – Second Division Sub-Leader), identifying the brigade and the wearer’s rank.
The hem features bold, wave-like patterns woven in contrasting threadwork, a symbolic design often linked to resilience, purification, and strength against danger.
Dominated by a large circular crest (mon) at the shoulders, dyed in deep reddish-brown and outlined in white.
The crest displays the kanji 井 (i)—likely referencing Itsumura Village or the firefighting group’s emblem.
Below, sweeping woven wave bands extend across the body, visually grounding the jacket and reinforcing its protective aura.
Material: Thick quilted and sashiko-stitched cotton, designed to withstand heat and physical strain.
Technique: Handwoven kasuri-style threadwork with tsutsugaki resist dyeing, producing sharp motifs and durable coloration.
Protective Function: Firefighters would soak these jackets in water before entering burning structures, turning the hanten into an improvised fire shield.
