Advanced Search 
Neck protector for fireman's helmet (hikeshi-shikoro)
Japanese
late Edo period
mid-19th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Wool embroidered with silk and gold-metallic thread
Dimensions
162 x 92 cm (63 3/4 x 36 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.3809
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionNeck protector for samurai fireman's helmet (hikeshi-shikoro) with design of a large dragon embroidered with black and gray broadcloth with gilt yarns couched over cording to create a relief effect. Along the bottom on one side are Chinese characters (artist signature: Chiku Koku) worked with black cord and artist's stamp in red (Ryo Kan); the eyes of the dragon are glass. Lined with brocade woven with golden brown silk and gilt paper strip diaper pattern; shape is semi-circular with "frog" closure and buttons at neck; slit 3/4 up the center back.
All members of a samurai family had their respective fire fighting wardrobe. This neck protector possibly belonged to the wife of a daimyô.
All members of a samurai family had their respective fire fighting wardrobe. This neck protector possibly belonged to the wife of a daimyô.
Signed
Signed in ink: painted by Chiku Koku
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.