Stencil Item Number: Ed5.2985 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The light brown rectangular stencil has a cut design of three kimono shapes containingfloral pattern, surrounded by chrysanthemum and water motifs. There are two register points on each side. A white sheet of paper is attached to the back of the stencil.

History Of Use

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.

Cultural Context

fabric printing

Iconographic Meaning

Chrysanthemum: longevity, sun, autumn, royal emblem.