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Antique Japanese Shirushi-Banten Fireman Jacket Edo Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A Japanese Shirushi-Banten (Fireman's Coat) circa 19th century of Edo Period. The robe was made from a heavy cotton fiber and decorated with a dramatic dragon in the dark cloud scheme using Tsutsugaki, a free-hand resist dye method. A dragon with claws clenching pearls and red-orange fire motifs was artistically depicted slithering in and out of dark swirling clouds from the front to the back of the robe. The spatial composition was superb as well as the stylized motion. The indigo blue colored neck lapel bears scription indicating the location of where the robe belonged: the Kannon-Ji of Magino District (The Temple of Kannon; In Japan, the goddess of mercy Guanyin was known as Kannon). This temple is located in Higashine City of Yamagata Prefecture in Northern Japan. On the back, there is a large Kanji Character "Space" in the center, matching the first symbol of the location "Magino" in the front. It is likely that instead of a functional fire-fighting gear, the robe was used in festival parade by firemen, perhaps sponsored by the temple for the town event.
When fully extended as shown in photo 1 and 2, it measures 50" W x 37" H.
A beautiful and well-preserved sample of Japanese textile art.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	textile
Condition:	Good. The robe shows beautiful dyed color. Patina and wear expected from the age. There is a uniformed light fading. Not lined except around the sleeves, hand stitches visible.
Creation Date:	19thc
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	540497

Dimensions

W.	50 in;	H.	37 in;	D.	0.2 in;
W.	127 cm;	H.	93.98 cm;	D.	0.51 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion