#fireman's jacket

Japanese hikeshibanten jacket depicting spider and go board, 19th Century, Seattle Art Museum

This is a contemporary, commemorative fireman's hanten jacket. We can't be sure of the age - the condition suggests it was rarely worn and the style seems more contemporary than vintage.  But this fireman's hanten jacket is a striking piece. Dark indigo blue with red and white striping along the shoulders and a large crest on the back. Kanji on the front, decorative buttons and collar, and side pockets. Hand stitched sashiko throughout. On the front are vertical kanji characters that read 'Kyoto Fu Shobo Kyokai', which refers to the Kyoto Prefectural Volunteer Fire Association.   It also says 'Hyogi in', which is a high ranking position similar to 'trustee' and 'councilor.'  It's likely that this hanten was custom-made for this official and given as a gift in recognition of his position or contributions.  It was more likely worn at ceremonies than parades. Inside is a tag that says 'ichidashiki sashiko', which we assume is a type of sashiko stitching. It is reversible but without the lining decoration that is commonly found in vintage and antique versions of these hanten. The button closures, reinforced button holes, and collar are, again, unusual and suggest a more contemporary age - perhaps even the 1980s or 1990s.

This jacket was listed on a Japanese auction site and sold for just under $2000 - a steal!  There’s a different one listed for sale at kimonoboy.com for $7000 - a much more appropriate price!

Unknown Japanese artisan, Doe skin fireman's jacket (19th century)