{"product_id":"antique-fire-brigade-set-hanten-and-hara-ate","title":"\"Antique Fire Brigade Set\" Hanten and Hara-Ate","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis listing is for an authentic set of fire brigade garments likely from the late Edo to early Meiji period. \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe \u003cem\u003ehanten\u003c\/em\u003e jacket is accompanied by a matching padded chest protector (\u003cem\u003ehara-ate)\u003c\/em\u003e. It’s a unique and collectible set of traditional Japanese textiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA large \u003cem\u003ekomon\u003c\/em\u003e crest features large on both items, allowing the public to easily identify which firehouse this fireman represented.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe crests were appliqued, not dyed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAt the time, fire brigades often chose animals as symbols of their organization – and it seems this brigade chose a rabbit, which symbolized nimbleness and speed.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe rabbit was appliqued onto the indigo and embellished with gold couching, adding status and pride and elevating it beyond ordinary wear. \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ePerhaps this hanten was more often used for celebrations or ceremonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eCrafted for durability, the jacket features a straight-cut body, wide sleeves, and deep indigo cotton typical of the era. Typical wear for its age gives it a wabi-sabi character, cherished by collectors of Japanese textiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIncluded is a \u003cem\u003ehara-ate\u003c\/em\u003e – a matching chest protector textile, bearing the same crest, with a homespun (linen?) backing which shows signs of age.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBoth pieces were made with a heavy indigo cotton, which (especially when wet) offered fire resistance, while the gold emblem suggested pride and rank within a well-funded brigade. Such matched sets are rare, with chest protectors far less commonly preserved than coats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMany signs of use and age, with some of the areas of the hara-ate seeming somewhat fragile. Still, makes a striking display and is a serious collector’s set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're going to display this kimono and want to add a sturdy but simple hanging rod, click that option below. (The rod must be shipped separately.)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"With Chest Protector","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51713189708089,"sku":"0126mh7","price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/4560\/2105\/files\/IMG_1007.jpg?v=1769132331","url":"https:\/\/kyotokimono.com\/products\/antique-fire-brigade-set-hanten-and-hara-ate","provider":"Kyoto Kimono","version":"1.0","type":"link"}