[KATŌ, MASAMI]. 加藤正美.

精華. 江戸の華, 都之魁. [Seika. Edo no hana, miyako no sakigake].
[Illustrated Collection of Edo Fire Brigades' Signias and Happi Uniforms].

東京. [Tokyo]. 東京消防組纏図集刊行会. [Tōkyō Shōbōgumi Matoizushū Kankōkai]. Showa 2 [ 1927]. Stock ID #174645

Two volumes in protective case, 12 folded leaves of text all other pages contain a full page colour plate showing the insignia and uniform of a Edo fire brigade, 25 x 17.5 cm, Miyako no Sakigake volume: 36 double folded leaves, Edo no hana volume: 32 double folded leaves. Some light offsetting, overall a very good copy of a handsome set.

Fire fighters in Edo Tokyo were regarded as brave heroes who would fight against devastating fires. Each unit had distinctive insignia poles and uniforms in order to stand out from others. This tradition has continued in ceremonial occasions even in modern day Tokyo. This collection, titled Seika (Beautiful and Bright), consists of 2 volumes: Miyako no sakigake (Harbinger of the Capital) which deals of contemporary period (1920s) and Edo no hana (Flowers of Edo), which deals with Edo period. The collection was compiled by the local fire fighting collectives in order to preserve their history and tradition. Each volume is richly illustrated with "matoi" (fire fighters' symbolic insignia poles) designs and their happi uniforms.

The collection is a valuable historical records of the past which was fast disappearing in the early 20th century. At the same time, the designs of insignia poles and happi uniforms are very distinctive and eye-catching, and they retain modern appeals.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 174645.

Price: $450.00 AU

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