Matoi Explained

A was a flag used in Edo period Japan by hikeshi firemen to notify people of a fire near or within a building.[1] It was taken up on a roof near the burning building by the and waved to draw the attention of other groups of firefighters, who would then hurry to the site of the fire to assist.[2] [3] Each different group of firemen in the Edo period had their own to identify themselves.In modern Japan, the is only used for ceremonial purposes, for example on New Year's firefighter event, . The Fire Museum (消防博物館 東京消防庁消防防災資料センター) of the Tokyo Fire Department has a large collection of replica matoi.[4]

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 纒(まとい) - 一社江戸消防記念会 . 2024-02-21 . www.edosyoubou.jp . EDO Firemanship Preservation Association.
  2. Web site: 粋でいなせな木遣りで"火消し"を伝える-日本火消し保存会-English . 2024-02-21 . www.nihonhikeshihozonkai.org.
  3. Web site: toshidama . 2013-07-22 . Matoi – Fire Standards of Edo . 2024-02-21 . Toshidama Japanese Prints . en.
  4. Web site: Results Artifact Database Fire Museum . 2024-02-25 . Fire Museum - Artifact Database . en.