Bidspirit auction | JAPANESE FIREMAN COAT WITH RAIJIN

JAPANESE FIREMAN COAT WITH RAIJIN FISHING FOR HIS DRUM - The rare 19th century 'firefighter's' coat, made by hand stitching together multiple layers of loomed cotton fabric using thousands of sashiko stitches, features a crisp design in rich colors depicting Raijin as a powerful, demonic deity with fierce countenance and sharp horns. Raijin is perched atop a massive, billowing bank of storm clouds. He is trying to recover his lost drum seen half-submerged in the swirling sea beneath a bolt of lightning. The opposite side is equally fine with motifs of stylized waves, clouds and lightning bolts. Richly decorated coats of this type were worn in celebrations after a fire was vanquished to honor the heroic firefighters, post-battle. Measures 42 x 50 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Dimensions Measures 42 x 50 inches. Condition Very good condition, no major damage, repair or odor. Provenance The estate of John Adair Jr. (1942-2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques in Tokyo (est. 1978), a world-renowned destination for Japanese basketry, prints and furniture featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.