This resource is part of the Museum Snapshot collection - a collection of smaller resources perfect for starters, plenaries or spare moments to explore something fascinating.
Japanese katagami Stencil Design
The Myth Behind the Stencil
This stencil dates back to the Meiji era in Japanese history, from 1868 – 1912. It tells the story of an old 8th Century Japanese legend about Urashima Taro. In the story Urashima Taro is rewarded with long life, for rescuing a small turtle, who turns out to be the daughter of the Emperor of the Sea.
Urashima is taken to a palace beneath the ocean, where he spends a few days. The Emperor's daughter gives Urashima a box to take home with him, but makes him promise not to open it. When he returns to his native land, he discovers that 300 years have passed, and that his family and friends are long dead. In his grief, he opens the box, which contains his old age. At this point he turns into a crane.
Symbolism
The stencil shows a crane and a 'hairy-tailed' turtle. These animals symbolise the idea of long life in Japanese culture. The crane carries a fan decorated with bamboo leaves and plum blossom. The turtle is holding a bowl, with pine trees depicted on the inside.These three plants are known as the 'three friends of winter', and symbolise resilience, perseverance and longevity.
Symbolism
The stencil shows a crane and a 'hairy-tailed' turtle. These animals symbolise the idea of long life in Japanese culture. The crane carries a fan decorated with bamboo leaves and plum blossom. The turtle is holding a bowl, with pine trees depicted on the inside.These three plants are known as the 'three friends of winter', and symbolise resilience, perseverance and longevity.
Detail of a Japanese Katagami Stencil
Technique Used to Create the Stencil
Katagami, or Japanese paper stencils were used to create patterns on Japanese textiles, mainly for the production of kimono. The stencil was made from the bark of the mulberry tree, which was flattened in layers and glued together with the juice of the persimmon fruit to make a stiff card.
The complex design was then cut into the card with precision and silk threads incorporated to hold the tiny details in place. The dyeing technique used rice paste which, when pressed through the cut-out shapes onto the fabric and left to dry, acts as a 'resist'. Once dry the fabric was put in a dye bath, and the dye would penetrate all but the rice paste area which would resist it.
By using the stencil several times a repeat pattern could be achieved. Once the rice paste was washed off, the process would be completed. It was the origin of our more contemporary 'silk screen' technique for printing posters and artists’ limited edition prints.
Glossary
Kimono - simple, straight-seamed traditional Japanese garments, worn wrapped - left side over right - and fastened with a sash
Resilience - toughness
Perseverance - determination
Longevity - long life
Limited edition - a fixed number of prints
Persimmon - a type of fruit tree usually grown in hot climates
Resilience - toughness
Perseverance - determination
Longevity - long life
Limited edition - a fixed number of prints
Persimmon - a type of fruit tree usually grown in hot climates
Young person's response to this object:
'It would be interesting to compare it to a modern day Japanese stencil and see how much the practice had changed.' - Katie ChesterDiscussion Ideas
- In the past people used stories to help them understand the world. What do you think the myth of Urashima Taro was used to explain to people?
- Many stories from Japanese legends feature animals that have special abilities or are symbols of human values. Can you think of any animals that represent something in our culture?
- Kimono could carry pictures and stories as decoration. How do we decorate the clothes that we wear?
- What do our clothes tell people about us?
Activity Ideas
Research/Literacy:
- The Ancient Greek myth of Pandora's Box also tells the story of a box that is supposed to be kept shut, but is opened with unfortunate consequences. Research the story of Pandora's box and compare the two myths.
Art & Design:
- Make a stiff paste with flour and water and paint it on to some white fabric. When it is completely dry paint some natural colouring over it, like beetroot juice or liquid from boiled up onion skins. When again completely dry break off the dried paste and see how well it has 'resisted' the dye.