Description
Katazome-shi Japanese Paper 8×18″
Katazome-shi patterns are inspired by the garment trade, particularly kimono fabric. These patterns are printed using a starch-resist and stencil-printing method with soy-based inks. Using a technique developed in Kyoto centuries ago for printing kimono fabric, hand-cut stencils are made from persimmon-dyed “katagami” paper.
Each colour is applied by hand onto a handmade kozo-sulphite mix washi. In fact, the word “katazome” means “stencil-dyed”. The techniques and materials used ensure that ink is absorbed deeply into the fibres of the paper for long-lasting colour. Katazome-shi‘s rich colours and the quality of the printed sheets are cloth-like in many ways. This paper is an excellent choice for covering books, boxes, and lampshades, as well as for collage.
Sheet Size: 8″ x 18″
Paper Weight: 60 g
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About Katazome-shi *
*Thank you to the Japanese Paper Place for providing this beautiful description of this exquisite washi.
The traditional art of Katazome was originally developed for printing on silk for kimono. “Kata” translates to “stencil” and “zome”, a form of the word someru means “to dye”. Every step of the process – from creating the tools and materials used, to the printing process itself – is done by hand and involves great skill and patience. Stencil dyeing is a direct process that belies the elegance of the printed designs.
Historically, stencils were created by hand-cutting a design into katagami (gami means paper), a purpose-made paper composed of laminated layers of kakishibu*-treated washi. This cut stencil then had an open mesh of silk adhered to it to support the edges of the design. The prepared stencil is then placed on the fabric and a resist paste, made from a cooked mixture of rice bran and rice flour, is applied through the stencil. After drying completely, the fabric would be soaked with soy juice in preparation for brushing on the dyes. A final soaking in fresh water removes the resist paste after dyeing, revealing the design. Some artists still use these techniques today.
Katazome-shi (shi meaning paper) is created using the same process. As kimonos fell out of favour, following World War II, the original owner of Wazome Kogei studio, Mr. Kuriyama, decided to try using the same process to create designs on washi. When working on paper instead of cloth, the resist is applied and allowed to dry completely before the ink is stencilled or brushed on. The absorbent nature of the paper means the inks/dyes are held deep in the fibres. They don’t just sit on the surface but become one with the paper.
Unlike cloth, wet paper is not usually considered a durable material. The paper must not only be absorbent enough to support the resist and carry the inks but also strong enough to endure the process of rinsing. The rinsing process involves rubbing the surface by hand under cold running water to remove the resist. Artisans select only kozo-fibre washi to form the base of their designs. Soy-based inks on hand-made, kozo-fibre washi, and rice-paste resist, all these materials can be produced sustainably, in ways that respect the environment and ensure the longevity of the final work.
Although some individual artisans continue to explore the katazome method on washi, there are currently no other commercially operated studios in Japan.
#Japanese Crafts #Katazome-shi #Wazome Kogei
