Stencil Item Number: Ed5.3003 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The rectangular stencil has a cut design containing four paulownias with a scroll-like vine motif. There are register points along the edges of the design. There is a fan-shaped cutout in one corner. There are traces of Japanese script on the back.

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 C.E.) the technique was developed as a true native craft. The paulownia tree is used in the imperial crests.

Iconographic Meaning

Paulownia tree: imperial emblem

Cultural Context

fabric printing