Stencil Item Number: Ed5.2992 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The rectangular stencil has a floral cut design of chrysanthemum, peony, butterfly and leaf motifs against an abstract geometric pattern. Silk threads run through the openwork to stabilize the design. There are register points located along the edges of the design. 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) the technique was developed as a true native craft. This design is associated with boys festival, dragons and armour in may.

Iconographic Meaning

Chrysanthemums: longevity, sun, autumn, royal emblem; peonies: royal emblem, prosperity;

Cultural Context

fabric printing