Stencil Item Number: Ed5.2990 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The rectangular stencil has a cut design containing two large peonies intersected by three straight lines which act as wheels for a cart. This is surrounded by more peonies. There are six register points at the top and one at lower right edge. Silk threads run through the openwork to stabilize the design.

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.

Iconographic Meaning

Peonies: royal rank emblem, prosperity.

Cultural Context

fabric printing