Stencil Item Number: Ed5.3044 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
The rectangular stencil has a cut design ofseveral medallions contains crane, tortoise and chrysathemum motifs, surround by a scroll work pattern. A register point is located in each quadrant. There is a fan-shaped cutout in one corner.
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.
Chrysanthemum: longevity, sun, autumn, royal emblem; tortoise: sacred, good luck, longevity; crane: longevity, associated with mythical powers.
fabric printing; textiles