Artheon MuseumArtheonMuseum

Stencil

Unknown Artist

19th century

Stencil by Unknown Artist

Medium

Paper, silk

Dimensions

23 5/8 x 17 in. (60.0 x 43.2 cm)

Classification

Stencils

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Horace Havemeyer, 1942

Accession Number

42.91.58

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 19th-century Japanese, crafted from delicate paper reinforced with silk threads, exemplifies masterful katagami technique honed by artisans in regions like Kyoto andachijo. Measuring 23 5/8 x 17 inches, it was designed for resist-dyeing fabrics, particularly luxurious silk kimonos, where intricate patterns were cut to allow dye to pass through while preserving fine details. The silk threads, visible in the medium, prevented the paper from tearing during repeated use, showcasing the precision and ingenuity of Japanese craftsmanship. Originating in the late Edo period and flouris...

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