Child’s kimono; Okinawa, Japan, c. late 19th century. Cotton with bingata decoration (traditional Okinawa stenciling style using resist-dyeing and bright colors).
Detail from a kosode (kimono with narrow sleeves), Japan, late 18th century. Silk satin with embroidered and stenciled decorations.
Fireman’s jacket, Japan, late 19th or early 20th century. Cotton quilted in the “sashiko” style and resist-dyed with a dragon design.
“Before tackling a blaze a fireman would be drenched in water to protect him from the flames, the quilting of the jacket allowing for maximum absorption. Wearing this heavy garment the fireman would attack the blaze, using a long pole to pull down buildings to prevent the fire from spreading.”
Dressing gown c.1875. Silk. Um…the Met says this is “Japanese” but it looks more Japanese-inspired to me.
