Toraichi Quilted Happi Coat
Traditional Edo fireman-style overcoat
It isn't just our modern societies that think of firefighters as heroes: the Edo-period (1600-1868) Japanese felt the same way for the people who protected their city against the conflagrations that were one of the most common problems in Japan at the time. They even considered the clothes the firefighters wore as the epitome of style or "Edo iki" (Edo chic). The Toraichi Quilted Happi Coat is an expression of this style: an Edo hikeshi (fireman) overcoat with some truly spectacular visuals!
One of the essentials of Edo iki was not flaunting colors and intricate designs. This is why the Toraichi Quilted Happi Coat from the outside looks almost subdued with its blue-black color and white wave patterns. But open it up and you will see one of five amazing, multicolored designs (Chinese Lion and Peony, Boy and Carp, Tiger and Bamboo, Cloud Dragon, and Fireman and Flowers) that pay tribute to the firefighters who actually wore these jackets 300 years ago. This is a truly unique piece of Japanese culture created using traditional dyeing and stitching techniques!
Specs and Features:
- Options: Chinese Lion and Peony, Boy and Carp, Tiger and Bamboo, Cloud Dragon, Fireman and Flowers
- Made using traditional sashiko stitching
- One size
- Dimensions (length x width x shawl x sleeve length): approx. 98 x 63 x 65 x 37 cm (38.6 x 24.8 x 25.6 x 14.6")
- Material: 100% cotton
