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Firefighter's Suit (Kaji shōzoku)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineFirefighter's Suit (Kaji shōzoku) (火事装束), late 1700s. Japan, Edo period (1615–1868). Wool (rasha); applique and silk and gold thread cord; 129.9 x 120 cm (51 1/8 x 47 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John C. Weber, 2020.423
