Jimbaori or formal campaign jacket for wearing over armor. Of indigo-dyed, wool felt decorated with a stylized paulownia leaf design and the mon or family crest design of the Maeda Daimyo in white, wool felt and yellow silk chain stitching, the interior of floral-patterned, silk brocade with gold thread, in tones of blue, mauve, yellow, green and black against a white ground. A tortoiseshell button is affixed to one closure, both of which are edged in indigo, resist-dyed deerskin. Made for the Maeda Daimyo or feudal lord of the Kaga fiefdom. Edo Period, 18th century.

With an income of one million koku of rice, the Maeda were the wealthiest lords apart from the Tokugawa in Edo Period Japan. This dramatic garment was made to be worn on formal occasions and displays the pride and power of the Maeda. The costly wool felt was imported from Europe, and like the silk brocade these fabrics were precious rarities in 18th century Japan. Given its age, superb condition and graphic design sense, this jimbaori remains a stunning example of textile art today.