A Resist Dyed Indigo Cotton Hanten: Well-Sized Uniform Jacket

early twentieth century
shoulder to hem x sleeve tip to sleeve tip: 40 1/4" x 48", 102 cm x 122 cm

This is a quite roomy or long and comfortable indigo dyed cotton hanten. It is completely hand stitched--and it is resist dyed with kanji or Chinese characters on the back, top, and on the lapels in the front.

Coats like these were made in quantity and served as some form of uniform, either for employees of a particular business or for those participating in a shrine or temple festival.

This one, no doubt, was for an employee of a business. The lapels in front read, left, Yamamoto and right, Matsumori. The back is emblazoned with a business logo reading Yamaroku.

This hanten is still quite deeply toned from the original indigo dyed and it shows some signs of wear in the form of scuffs and some faint surface abrasions or creases. Overall it is in good, used condition--and it is ready to wear or to display as artwork.

If you are hoping to wear this as a coat--which can easily be done--please check the dimensions as noted above.