Stencil Item Number: Ed5.3012 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The rectangular stencil has a cut design of paulownia tree motifs in the centre with three partial chrysanthemums around it. The register points are located 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 as part of the imperial crest.

Iconographic Meaning

Chrysanthemum: longevity, sun, autumn, royal emblem; paulownia tree: imperial emblem.

Cultural Context

fabric printing; textiles