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

We see the bark of a tree when we step back to view this stencil.  Up close, the ragged edged "spots" could be abstracted florals...?

It's likely that this stencil is one layer of patterning, perhaps a background color for the flowers, which would then be embellished with colors from another stencil or by hand coloring. 

The fabric patterned by this stencil could have become a kosode style kimono, commonly used for casual wear. Kosode are often identified by a small repeated pattern rather than the more formal larger, asymetrical designs.  But with the edged patterning resembling puzzle pieces, we can't be sure how it would have fit with other stencils!

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. Most are reinforced with a tiny silk screen, but this one is not!  

Click HERE to view a short youtube video on how these stencils are cut.

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Length = 21.5"

Width = 21.5"

Condition =  excellent