Stencil: Kata-gami: Flying Bats

Japan, 1780–1830
Mulberry paper, lacquer made from
persimmon juice, human hair
Museum purchase through gift of
Charles W. Gould, 1939-72-1
Photo: Matt Flynn

In use since the eighth century, kata-gami, or Japanese printing stencils, are laminated sheets of paper pasted together with a sticky resin made from persimmon juice. As the intricate designs are cut, the patterns are held in place with thin silk threads or even human hair. The stencil is then placed on a length of silk or fine cotton, and the color is pressed through onto the fabric. Many of the designs derive from nature, including water and wind currents, plant forms, animals, and birds.

Even though this kata-gami design depicts flying bats, the superposition of shapes transforms itself into a new pattern, resembling a floral weaving.