Daimyo Firefighter’s Ensemble (Kaji shōzoku) for Samurai Woman

first half 19th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

The luxurious red wool (rasha) jacket worn by a high-ranking samurai woman on fire duty is extravagantly decorated with crashing waves, water droplets, and anchors. The dynamic composition refers to the processes of extinguishing a fire and pulling down smoldering buildings and also symbolizes security. The quality of the gold-thread embroidery is excellent, with various gold couching techniques and French knots on the tassels, which are attached to the cords of the anchors. Five crests with a motif of three oak leaves, possibly the Yamauchi family crest, are depicted on the jacket. The hood (zukin) indicates that this set was made for a woman, as male firefighters wore helmets. A matching plastron, or breastplate, and hakama pants would have completed the ensemble. High-ranking samurai women, especially those living in the women’s quarter of Edo Castle, were trained to evacuate and assist people during fires. They carried spears (naginata) to defend the fleeing occupants (mainly other women) and patrolled the grounds.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

大名奥方火事装束
Title: Daimyo Firefighter’s Ensemble (Kaji shōzoku) for Samurai Woman
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: first half 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Wool (rasha) with satin-weave silk appliqué and silk- and gold-thread embroidery
Dimensions: Jacket (a): 47 5/8 × 41 1/2 in. (121 × 105.4 cm)
Hooded cap (b): 36 1/2 × 24 1/2 in. (92.7 × 62.2 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Lent by John C. Weber Collection
Curatorial Department: Asian Art