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

Crayfish: strength; bamboo: strength, longevity, good luck, endurance.

The rectangular stencil has a cut design containing four crayfish, five bamboo motifs and seven punched geometric motifs. There are three register points along one edge. Silk threads running through the openwork stabilize the design. A white sheet of paper is attached to the back of the stencil.