Paper stencil (katagami)

early 20th century

Katagami were used to print patterns on both fabric and paper. While these are functional objects, it is easy to see how they are also decorative art objects on their own. Katagami were often made from natural fibers, such as mulberry bark.

Mulberry bark paper treated with persimmon juice and silk thread

Image: 8 3/8 x 13 3/4in. (21.2 x 35cm)

Overall: 11 1/2 x 17 15/16in. (29.2 x 45.6cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

33.1736

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Exceptionally Ordinary: Mingei 1920–2020, Dec. 14, 2019 - Sept. 6, 2021 [on view Dec. 14, 2019 - Mar. 21, 2021].

Published ReferencesKuo, Susanna. Katagami: Japanese Textile Stencils in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum. Seattle, Washington: Seattle Art Museum, 1985; cat. no. 7, p. 16.

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