Collection Online
Fireman’s coat

Fireman’s coat
(Hikeshi-kawahaori 火消革羽織)
(19th century)

Medium
deerskin leather
Measurements
99.9 cm (centre back) 126.0 cm (cuff to cuff)
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
2014.29
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, NGV Asian Art Acquisition Fund, 2014
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
Deerskin coats (kawabaori) were garments worn by samurai firefighting brigades and on occasions by the leaders of townsman brigades. The designs and insignia on each deerskin coat indicate the brigade or group of the wearer and helped identify squad members and individuals in the smoke and confusion of a fire. The design was created by a paste-resist technique – applied to the leather coat using a stencil and then exposing the leather coat to smoke in a special curing room, infusing the brown colour into the leather.