katagami (Stencil)

The katazome method of dying fabric used a resist paste applied through a stencil; when the paste dried the stencil was removed and colour was applied by brush. The paste was then washed away leaving undyed areas to form pattern against coloured ground. Prior to the 16th century cut stencils were used to colour leather armour. However, during the Edo Period (1603-1868) the technique was developed as a true native craft.

fabric printing

Chrysanthemum: longevity, sun, autumn, royal emblem.

The rectangular stencil has a cut design of three full chrysanthemums surrounded by leaves and a scroll pattern. Register points are located along edges of design. There is a fan-shaped cutout in one corner. There are traces of Japanese script on the back.