"Butterflies" Katagami Stencil

One of a kind authentic Japanese katagami stencil, once used to create kimono fabrics between 1940 and 1960.

Small butterflies in a larger format stencil, suggesting that this stencil was used to apply only the color on a few of the butterflies of the design. In fact, this stencil was used only to apply color to the top two, larger wings of the butterflies.

Most likely there were many, many other stencils used in the creation of the formal kimono fabric design where these butterflies now flutter by.

The color of the stencil is a light brown - not as golden brown as it appears in the photos but not the deep dark brown that we usually find in vintage stencils. This one could be newer (1970's?) and possibly not used many times.  It is also a larger size than we usually find, suggesting it is for a more formal furisode-style kimono.

Each stencil is made from mulberry paper coated wtih persimmon juice for strength and water resistance. Each was uniquely designed and was hand cut by punch or cutting tools and reinforced with a tiny silk screen.  Click HERE to view a short youtube video on how these stencils are cut.

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Length = 30"

Width = 19"

Condition =  excellent