The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

Firefighter's Suit (Kaji shōzoku)

Firefighter's Suit (Kaji shōzoku)

late 1700s
(1615-1868)
Wool (rasha); applique and silk and gold thread cord
129.9 x 120 cm (51 1/8 x 47 1/4 in.)
Gift of John C. Weber 2020.423
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

Wool has self-extinguishing properties that protect the wearer from fire.

Description

Wood architecture in densely populated areas made firefighting a frequent occurrence in the Edo period (1615–1868). Jackets made of leather or wool offered firefighters protection against the flames. Wool was imported from Europe. The triple ring crest in white is of the “three alternating rings” (mitsurin chigai) type framed in a tortoise shell (kikko) motif, and identified the house with which the wearer was affiliated.
  • ?-January 4, 1997
    Ms. Gail Martin, New York, sold to John C. Weber
    1997-2020
    John C. Weber, New York, NY, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2020-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Firefighter's Suit (Kaji shōzoku)|url=false|author=|year=late 1700s|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2020.423