Stencil Item Number: Ed5.3040 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The rectangular stencil has an overall cut design of irises and leaves. The leaves and stems are abstract, made of grouped linees. Register points are 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.

Cultural Context

fabric printing

Iconographic Meaning

Iris: success, associated with the boy's festival.