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Object Timeline

1925

  • Work on this object ended.

1976

  • We acquired this object.

2007

2008

2013

2014

2024

  • You found it!

Katagami, Abstract Water Pattern

This is a Katagami. It was designed by Unknown. It is dated late 19th–early 20th century and we acquired it in 1976. Its medium is mulberry paper (kozo washi) treated with fermented persimmon tannin (kakishibu), and silk threads (itoire). It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

Katagami, the stencils used in the Japanese resist-dye process katazome to produce printed textiles, typically feature abstract motifs drawn from nature, traditional folklore, and literature. The curving, rhythmic lines shown here convey moving water. The simplicity of the design belies the laborious process of carving the stencil.

This object was donated by Helen Snyder. It is credited Gift of Helen Snyder.

  • Sample, Bojangles
  • caprolan nylon, polyester foam.
  • Gift of Jack Lenor Larsen.
  • 1968-47-1-c

Our curators have highlighted 5 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Textile, Kibiso Itomaki Stripe
  • dobby loom woven 100% silk (raw silk and kibiso).
  • Courtesy of NUNO Corporation, Tsuruoka Fabric Industry Cooperative, and....
  • 89.2015.13

Its dimensions are

41.3 x 28 cm (16 1/4 x 11 in.) Mat: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14 in.) Frame 50.2 x 39.7 cm (19 3/4 x 15 5/8 in.) 19 x 34.2 cm (7 1/2 x 13 7/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Katagami, Abstract Water Pattern; Designed by Unknown; Japan; mulberry paper (kozo washi) treated with fermented persimmon tannin (kakishibu), and silk threads (itoire); 41.3 x 28 cm (16 1/4 x 11 in.) Mat: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14 in.) Frame 50.2 x 39.7 cm (19 3/4 x 15 5/8 in.) 19 x 34.2 cm (7 1/2 x 13 7/16 in.); Gift of Helen Snyder; 1976-103-111

We have 1 video that features Katagami, Abstract Water Pattern.

Katagami & Katazome Demonstration

Master craftsmen from Japan demonstrate traditional techniques for hand-cutting paper stencils (katagami) and resist-dying silk (katazome). This video condenses a multi-hour process into under two...

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibitions Making Design and Campana Brothers Select: Works from the Permanent Collection.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18489665/ |title=Katagami, Abstract Water Pattern |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=15 November 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>