Lot 164
**First Time At Auction**
Far East, Japan, ca. 19th century CE. A dark blue, woven textile hood designed to expose only the eyes and protect the top of the head, face, and upper chest. The garment is made of quilted (sashiko) cotton cloth; the interior and cloth ties are decorated with freehand grey-painted paste-resist decoration (tsutsugaki) in simple, abstract linear and triangular patterns. Size: 26.5" L x 14" W (67.3 cm x 35.6 cm)
This fireman's garment, combined with a coat, close-fitting trousers, and gloves, could be saturated with water and have its undecorated side turned outward to give protection from flames. The decorated side could be worn outward in parades and ceremonies. Traditional Japanese houses were made of wood, bamboo, straw, and paper, heated by coal, and in the close quarters of a huge city like Edo (Tokyo), they could easily catch fire and spread. Edo was plagued by fire, with major incidents erupting in 1657 (when it destroyed much of the city and the castle), 1683, 1806, 1834, and 1872. In order to combat the threat of fire, the city was divided into districts, separated by walls, each with a watch tower. Fire brigades were established for each district. The fireman who wore this hood would have been considered heroic, but also a bit of a rough character - rowdy, drunk, but willing to rush into danger for the protection of the neighborhood.
Provenance: Ex-private A. Davis collection, Santa Fe, NM
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#120476
- Condition: Intact, with light wear.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |