Previously On View: January 1, 1970 through January 1, 1970
In the traditional Japanese craft of katagami, paper stencils are carved by master artisans for use in decorating textiles. Documented since at least the sixteenth century, the technique developed out of methods originally devised for embellishing leather armor. Some common katagami motifs record this history: the stylized iris pattern that appears on this stencil symbolizes bravery....
Featured Image: Stencil: Stylized Iris Pattern (Japan); Late 18th–early 19th century; Mulberry paper (kōzo washi) treated with fermented persimmon juice (kakishibu) and silk threads (itoire); Gift of Helen Snyder, 1976-103-183
