Japanese Antique Katagami Kimono Stencil Katazome

Details: It’s a one of a kind original Japanese mid or late Meiji period 1890 stencil pattern “Katagami” for dying textiles “Katazome”. This katagami has a beautiful design of rhombus and diamond shape. Japanese paper stencils were used in a process of resist-dying textiles. These stencils are made of two or more layers of handmade mulberry paper (Kozo) laminated together and waterproofed with persimmon tannin. Smoke curing gives the paper additional stiffness and turns it into a rich brown. Some of them are reinforced with a network of silk threads sandwiched between the layers of paper. The newer Katagami have the silk on one side of the paper. The stencils embody Japanese design features such as a preference for asymmetry, a flattened pictorial space, the stylization of natural forms, the positive and negative treatment of the same element, the combination of abstract and naturalistic elements, the illusion of depth created by overlapping planes, and the use of pattern or texture to fill silhouettes.  

Material: Mulberry Paper  

Age: 1850-1899

Condition: Good condition considering it’s age. Please see the photos. Wear and tear due to the age.

Silk or No Silk:  Silk outside of the paper

Dimensions: Approx. 94cm. x 45cm.

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About Us: We are Dan and Maiko.  Since moving to Japan in 2001, we have gained a vast knowledge of Japanese antiques and vintage items.  We are happy to bring you many beautiful items from Japan.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.