A group of 26 Katagami stencil patterns
Japan: late 19th to early 20th century. Varying sizes from 16 x 13 inches and slightly smaller. All in a shade of brown. Five are accompanied by stencil transfers on paper of their patterns; and two additional stencil transfers on paper without associated stencils. Each in a mylar sleeve and laid into an archival box. Some wear and losses to several fragile patterns, but generally in well preserved condition. Item #410754
Katagami stencils are traditional Japanese paper stencils used primarily for dyeing textiles, particularly in creating intricate patterns on fabric through a technique called katazome (a resist-dyeing process). These stencils have been used for centuries, with their origins tracing back to at least the Muromachi period (14th–16th centuries). While some sources trace the origins of katazome as far back as the late Nara Period (710–794), it was certainly in practice by the Kamakura Period (1185–1333) for dyeing textiles intended for clothing. Over time, katazome evolved into an independent art form, particularly during the Edo (1603–1868) and Meiji (1868–1912) periods. Katagami stencils are typically made from layers of washi that are treated with a mixture of persimmon tannin and smoke to make them durable, waterproof, and resistant to wear. Traditionally, stencils were applied to silk or cotton fabric to embellish kimono fabric, hand towels, obi, and garments, as well as paper and various items like fans. Katazome involves applying a rice-paste resist through the stencil onto fabric, which is then dyed. The resist protects the covered area, allowing the intricate designs to emerge. They have also been used to create decorative patterns on ceramics, paper, and other material. Katagami stencils showcase a wide variety of motifs, often inspired by nature, including flowers, leaves, waves, and animals, as well as geometric and abstract patterns. These motifs often have symbolic meanings tied to Japanese culture and aesthetics.
See: Andrew Tuer, The Book of Delightful and Strange Designs Being One Hundred Facsimile Illustrations of the Art of the Japanese Stencil-Cutter and Elaine Evans Dee, Kata-gami: Japanese Stencils in the Collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.
Price: $3,000.00