Kawabaori or samurai fireman’s coat of stenciled deerskin, decorated on the back in white against brown with a squad crest and geometric designs. The lower design elements continue around to the front of the garment. The lapels are also stenciled with a variation of the design on the reverse. Fine vertical stripes against a deep brown ground ornament the jacket’s interior, with a flowering paulownia mon or family crest at the center top. Late Edo Period, 19th century.

For other examples, c.f. Mingei: Masterpieces of Japanese Folkcraft From the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, number 13 – 15.