Stencil
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Paper
Dimensions
11 1/4 x 16 in. (28.6 x 40.6 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
42.91.138
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate 19th-century Japanese, crafted on paper and measuring 11¼ x 16 inches, the intricate artistry of katagami—hand-cut templates used in katazome, a resist-dyeing technique for textiles kimonos. Produced during Japan's Edo or early Meiji period, when floral motifs flourished in decorative arts, this piece likely features blooming flowers, symbols of seasonal beauty and transience in Japanese aesthetics. precise cuts, often reinforced with silk threads to prevent tearing, allowed artisans to transfer vibrant patterns onto fabric with remarkable fidelity. As a tool of everyday craft e...