Indigo has a flame-resistant property of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit (815 C). During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), hikeshi (firefighters) were in charge of keeping fires from burning entire settlements where homes were all built from wood. The hikeshi would wear these fire-resistant indigo garments for protection. While exteriors are often minimalist, the inside depicts a highly decorative dragon from Japanese mythology.
Firefighter’s Hat
| Artist | Unidentified Maker |
| Year | ca. 1910 |
| Creation Place | Japan |
| Medium | Hemp, indigo |
| Collection | Mingei International Museum |
| Credit Line | Gift of Barb Rich |
| Accession Number | 2020-009-028 |