This was an amazing find. This is from the "昭和" "showa period" . The "showa" period is from 1926-1989. This is called "型紙" or "katagami".
Katagami are made of multiple layers of thin mulberry paper which are bonded with a glue extracted from persimmon, which makes a strong flexible brown coloured paper.
This katagami was used for "katazome" which is the method of dyeing fabrics (kimonos) using a stencil and a resist paste. The resist paste was made with rice flour and when dyed, the dye didn't adhere to the areas covered with the paste. It was an inexpensive way to make all-over patterns similar to a woven cloth.
PLEASE NOTE-this is in excellent condition but it is vintage and therefore not perfect.
This stencil could be used but it would also be fabulous framed and hung on a wall or used to make a small lantern (please see the last picture as an example-it is not included).
This stencil measures about 44.5x26.5 cm. It will be carefully shipped rolled in a tube.
PLEASE NOTE:This was very hard to take pictures of and it is much more amazing in person.
Orders under $100 will be sent “small package” air mail via Japan Post so tracking is not possible and there is no insurance. Please note that we are not responsible for customs fees nor can we advise about the rules regarding customs fees for any country.
All orders over $100 will be automatically upgraded to EMS so there will be tracking and insurance. All EMS packages will be sent on Thurdays or Fridays. I will email you the tracking number after I send the package.
We ship 2-3 times a week. I will email/convo you after I ship your package so you know it is on the way. Just a note: If you place an order on a Thursday, given the time differences and my schedule, I won't likely be able to send your package until the following Tuesday.
Most packages arrive within 2 weeks but it can take longer for any number of reasons including getting caught up at customs. If you haven't received your package in 5 weeks, please contact me and we can discuss what to do next.