A Guide To Japanese Katagami Designs

Katagami stencils are made by treating handmade Japanese paper with fermented persimmon tannin and are carved in a stunning variety of designs, which are mainly used for dyeing kimono fabric. This book includes around 180 examples selected from a collection held by Kyotech, whose predecessor company, founded in 1933, was the largest producer and seller of katagami in Kyoto. Discover the rich inventiveness of the Japanese aesthetic through dozens of motifs ranging from seasonal themes such as plum blossoms and dragonflies to basic patterns of stripes and arabesques. Many are shown together with ukiyo-e prints which incorporate similar designs or patterns.