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Neck protector for fireman's helmet (hikeshi-shikoro)
Japanese
Edo period
19th century
Medium/Technique
Fulled wool plain weave appliquéd with gilt leather; lined with supplementary weft patterned silk satin (shuchin)
Dimensions
146 x 88 cm (57 1/2 x 34 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.3852
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSamurai fireman's semi-circular neck protector for helmet (hikeshi-shikoro) with design of interlocking swastika pattern (manji tsunagi) in appliquéd gilt leather on a brown fulled wool ground and a diamond crest in white felted wool on each side; lined with silk and gilt paper in a linked hexagon and square (shokkô) pattern. There is a squared collar with "frog" closure and buttons at neck.
Wool possibly imported from Holland.
Wool possibly imported from Holland.
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.