
- Fireman's hood
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Fireman's hood
- Place of origin:
Japan (made)
- Date:
late 19th century - early 20th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Quilted cotton with freehand resist-dyed decoration
- Museum number:
FE.107A-1982
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This hood, along with its matching jacket, would have been worn by a fireman in late nineteenth century Japan. It is made from several layers of thick cotton quilted together together using a technique called 'sashiko'. Before tackling a blaze the fireman would have been drenched in water to protect him from the flames, the layers of cloth allowing for maximum absorption. The hood has long flaps to cover the back of the neck and the crown is heavily padded to protect the fireman from falling debris.