Antique Katagami Stencil - Maple and Bush Clover

Katagami stencils  are traditionally used to stencil a rice paste  resist on various katazome (stencil dye) cotton  or silk textiles before dyeing.   They're cut by hand from layers of sturdy handmade washi paper which has been treated with persimmon tannin to prevent  rotting. The tannin give it the distinctive brown colour that you also see in kakishibui dyed textiles used,  for example, to make sakabukuro bag strainers used in traditional sake making. 

This katagami measures 24.9cm x 41cm and is in fair condition - there are two small holes in the main part of the stencil and some insect damage on the border. It is also discoloured from being used. The design combines maple leaves and bush clover (hagi) - both motifs associated with autumn.    Late 19th - early 20th century. 

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