Fireman's plastron

DATE:: late 19th century
MATERIAL AND TECHNIQUE:: Cotton, paper, silk, bast fiber (?), metallic strips
CLASSIFICATION:: Textiles
DIMENSIONS:: Overall: 21 1/8 x 10 3/4 in. (53.658 x 27.31 cm)
DEPARTMENT:: Arts of Asia
LOCATION:: Not On View
CREDIT LINE:: Dallas Museum of Art, anonymous gift
OBJECT NUMBER:: 1995.7.3

General Description

This plastron, or breastplate, accompanies a fireman's coat and belt [1995.7.1, 1995.7.2]. Japanese fireman's coats were often quilted, to protect the wearer. Before combating a fire, the firefighter would close the earflaps on the hood, cinch the belt, and be drenched in water. The plastron provided additional protection. Firefighters who were employed by samurai wore more elaborate and pictorial coats. While this example was intended for men, women also served as firefighters and wore similar protective clothing.

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