Cleveland Museum of Art

Plastron or Frontpiece for a Firefighter's Suit (Kaji shōzoku)

Date: late 1700s
Medium: Wool (rasha); applique and silk and gold thread cord
Culture: Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Department: Japanese Art
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art

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

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