Stencil Item Number: Ed5.2989 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The light brown rectangular stencil has an incomplete cut design with the completed design on an attached sheet. The design contains abstract circular patterns and floral and bamboo motifs. There are four register points two on each side. 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

Chrysanthemum: longevity, sun, autumn, royal emblem; bamboo: strength, longevity, good luck, endurance.