A REVERSIBLE ‘HIKESHI AND TOBIGUCHI’ FIREFIGHTER COAT, HANTEN 半纏 JAPAN, POSSIBLY EARLY 19TH CENTURY This coat is made from multiple layers of cotton held together with upwards of hundred (100) stitches per square inch. It is adorned in sashiko 刺し子 technique (traditional hand stitching or quilting used as reinforcement and decoration) with a rare design of firefighter tools: hikeshi (fire extinguisher shaped as lantern), tobiguchi (equivalent to a pickaroon), a ladder and a matoi (flag). The inner part features tsutsugaki 筒描 (free hand paste resisting to the dying process). It is also adorned with Japanese calligraphies or inscriptions. Dimensions: H: 90 cm – width: 127 cm Provenance: A large collection of 100+ Japanese woodblock prints, properties from a French collector. Note: A hanten is a heavy coat that became popular during the 18th century (Edo period). NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.