A firefighter’s jacket (hikeshibanten) from the early 1800s, Japan. [1080×835]
by swagiliciously
A firefighter’s jacket (hikeshibanten) from the early 1800s, Japan. [1080×835]
by swagiliciously
2 Comments
It was common for hikeshibanten to be reversible, so this image of a spider over a go board is actually on the interior of the firefighter’s jacket. Made of cotton with indigo dye.
The spider and go board are referencing the tale, *Minamoto no Yorimitsu.* Yorimitsu was a legendary warrior who fell ill, and while resting in bed, was visited by a priest who was a giant spider in disguise. Seeing through the disguise, Yorimitsu and his four attendants (the Four Heavenly Kings) who were playing a game of go, fought the spider and drove it off.
This legend was popular in theatrical works and made its way onto this jacket.
I love it! Whats the significance of the spider?