A Hand Spun Cotton Chest Protector: Indigo Dyed Tsutsugaki

$75.00 USD

mid to late nineteenth century
21 1/4" x 11 1/4", 54 cm x 28.5 cm

This is a tsutsugaki dyed indigo cotton garment or accessory to a set of garments, presumably for a fire fighter.

It is a "chest protector" or muneate. It is made of hand spun, hand woven cotton that has been lined with paper to create body or to provide structure.

For itsĀ old age this muneate is in good condition. The neck strap and the two tabs meant for the waist are all intact and the piece is relatively free of stains or damage save for a small hole on the centrally placed medallion.

We think this was taken from the raiment of a firefighter for the fact the image resisted on the top of the muneate is that of clouds which signify the staunching of flames and the presence of water.

Please note that on the back of this piece there is a flap of cloth which creates a kind of "pocket." A curious detail.

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A Hand Spun Cotton Chest Protector: Indigo Dyed Tsutsugaki