Firefighter set, Japan, early Showa (circa 1930), cm 88x130 (jacket) – lenght cm 97 (pants). In old Japan, where wood architecture was predominant, fires occurred frequently. Firefighting was an extremely hazardous occupation and one of the most honourable activities. Therefore, in the early Edo period, only samurai were employed for the job. From mid-18th century onwards, organized groups of townsmen firefighters took control of activities but the commander almost invariably remained a samurai. With Meiji restoration samurai lost their status and honours, and the firefighters became an army-like body with uniforms and ranks. The service dresses had a typical multilayer structure of cotton cloths and heavy ‘sashiko’ stiching, and when soaked with water they provided a sort of protection to the fire. This actual set of jacket and pants can be dated to circa 1930, as the sashiko stitchings were machine-made, and possibly belonged to an official as the collar rank badge (see detail picture) would suggest. ‘Tsutsugaki’ technique dyed cotton cloths, in used, good condition with still the original light blue belt for the pants.