HANTEN Kimono - Building Worker Jacket

This traditional builder’s hanten (半纏) embodies the spirit of Japan’s Edo–Meiji period craftsmen. Worn by carpenters, plasterers, and construction guilds, such jackets were more than protective garments — they served as bold uniforms, proudly displaying the identity of the crew and their collective strength.

Design & Symbolism
Dyed in a deep indigo cotton, the jacket features powerful white resist-dyed motifs. The front lapels carry the name of the builder’s group, boldly announcing the wearer’s affiliation. Along the hem, rectilinear geometric patterns in stark white reinforce a sense of order, precision, and structure — values essential in construction.

The back carries the most commanding element: a large crest featuring the character 土 (tsuchi – “earth, soil”) beneath a stylized roof-like form. This symbol expresses both stability and foundation, fitting imagery for a profession rooted in building and shaping the physical world. The crest served not only as an emblem of identity but also as a talisman, invoking protection and prosperity for the crew.

Builder’s hanten were instantly recognizable work uniforms in 19th-century Japan. On job sites, the bold crests allowed workers to be identified at a glance, reinforcing unity and discipline. During festivals and parades, crews often wore their jackets with pride, celebrating their role in shaping the city. For builders, the hanten stood as both a tool of practical wear and a badge of professional honor.

Details

• Type: Builder’s hanten (半纏)

• Material: Indigo-dyed cotton, handwoven

• Techniques: Tsutsugaki resist-dyeing, sashiko reinforcement

• Motifs: Crest with the character 土 (earth/soil), roof motif, geometric linear patterns, group name on lapels

• Era: Edo–Meiji period, 19th century