A Japanese leather haori fireman's coat. Leather coats were worn by fire brigade leaders, a senior official of the town or official of samurai rank. In contrast to the heavy sashiko stitched cotton jackets and garments worn by the firefighters, the troupe leader would wear a leather coat. The leather jacket identified the leader as well as providing protection against falling embers. The back of the jacket with a dramatic smoked resist design of a ring above a hill like design. The ring with the characterka (加) likely representing the name of the troupe. The interior indigo dyed and with the name Kawaguchi (川口) within a cartouche. Late Edo Period, 19th century 40 ½” high x 52 ½”wide
