Bidspirit auction | A BRIGHTLY COLORED 19TH C.

A BRIGHTLY COLORED 19TH C. JAPANESE FIREMAN'S COAT - The rare 19th century 'firefighter's' coat in an unusual color palette was made by hand stitching together multiple layers of loomed cotton fabric using thousands of sashiko stitches. The brightly colored design features a mythological figure and writhing dragon intertwined. Richly decorated coats of this type were worn in celebrations after a fire was vanquished to honor the heroic firefighters whose equally elaborate full-body tattoos were regarded as symbols of courage and civic pride. Measures 35.5 x 48 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 35.5 x 48 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.