This rare cotton palanquin-bearer hanten is adorned with a prominent family crest, stripes, and rain-dragon motifs, all crafted using the traditional tsutsugaki technique. Despite being in very good condition, showing little signs of wear, it exhibits minor fraying where one sleeve is attached to the main garment and has two discreet small holes near the bottom rear. Its measurements stand at 42 inches (107 cm) from sleeve-end to sleeve-end and 48 inches (122 cm) in height.

The family crest depicted is the wisteria, symbolizing Japanese aristocracy. At waist-level, the jacket displays two facing rain-dragons, known as 'amaryu', symbolizing wisdom and strength. This hanten, associated with a 'norimono' in Edo-period Japan, was worn by elite bearers transporting territorial lords or 'daimyo'. Such jackets served as uniforms displaying the lords' family crests.

In historical Japan, as land for horse grazing diminished and horses were predominantly used for martial purposes, human-powered transport, especially norimonos, gained prominence. These vehicles were notably used to transport the warrior class and nobility during the Tokugawa period, particularly during the migrations of regional lords to and from Edo (Tokyo) along Japan's central backbone road.

Accounts from travelers and witnesses during the Edo period describe the norimono processions, depicting the porters carrying these structures and the significance of their attire, bearing the family crest of the lords they served. They detail the meticulous selection and training of bearers, emphasizing their symmetry, muscular development, uniform height, and coordinated movements, underscoring the prestige associated with the transportation of territorial lords.

This artwork is featured on pages 428-429 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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