Ise Katagami

The pattern behind the kimono

Ise katagami are stencils for dyeing the patterns of yuzen, yukata and komon onto kimono cloth. Layers of hand-made washi are bonded with persimmon tannin aged at least four years, then carved by hand. Almost all of Japan's komon, kimono with tiny all-over patterns such as Tokyo some komon and Kyo komon, are dyed with stencils from Ise. Carved stencils are also framed as art or used in interiors. It is officially designated as a traditional craft tool. It is made in Suzuka in Mie.

Four ways to carve

• Hikibori: a blade is drawn along a ruler to cut even stripes.
• Tsukibori: a small knife is pushed straight down through five to eight sheets at once.
• Dogubori: blades shaped like flowers, fans or diamonds punch out each motif.
• Kiribori: half-round blades drill fine komon patterns such as same-komon sharkskin dots. A 24 x 39 cm stencil can take about three weeks.

Dyers in a painted scroll

A Muromachi-period painting of craftsmen shows dyers using stencils, so stencils existed by the late Muromachi period. In the Edo period the Kishu domain protected the trade, and it flourished in the villages of Shiroko and Jike in today's Suzuka.