Japanese Fireman's Hanten shima The katazome fabric employs a

The katazome fabric employs a pattern of kiku or chrysanthemum flowers

some staining

The inside is an array of variegated solid and shima (striped) cottons and displays beautifully

This kotatsugake has a very rich and handsome quality - variegated hues of indigo from years of use and subtle red and white stripes

Japanese Fireman's Hanten shima The katazome fabric employs aHeavy weight, densely stitched indigo dyed cotton. Tsutsugaki dyed cloth. Indigo background with red and white design on the reverse. Horizontal bands wrap around bottom of coat. Similar to reference work "Sumi Collection Hanten and Happi" coats (p. 25). Used by firemen in late 19th century Japan to extinguish blazes. Early to mid 1900s