This listing is for a single Japanese katagami stencil purchased recently in Kyoto - never used - but created with the traditional hole-punch technique.  Read below to learn more about katagami stencils. Read below to learn more about katagami stencils.

A curious cat meets the wonders of the shore! This Japanese katagami stencil features a playful cat with one paw raised, exploring a coastal landscape filled with crabs, stylized waves, rocky formations, and seaside vegetation. The cat's expressive face, curled tail, and lively pose bring a wonderful sense of personality and movement to this charming scene.

Unlike traditional katagami stencils with larger cutout sections, this design is created almost entirely through hundreds of tiny, individually punched holes. The intricate dotted technique, known as kiri-bori, uses closely spaced perforations to form delicate outlines, textures, and shading, giving the illustration a distinctive pointillist appearance.

This stencil measures 17 x 12 inches and shows signs of minimal age and use, including surface marks and light creasing. The perforated design appears well preserved.

Japanese katagami stencils are traditional tools used to create intricate patterns on textiles, particularly kimono fabrics. Hand-cut from layers of washi paper treated with persimmon tannin (kakishibu), the paper becomes strong, flexible, and water-resistant, allowing the stencils to withstand repeated use in the dyeing process. Each stencil showcases the artistry and precision of Japanese craftsmanship, with designs ranging from delicate florals and geometric patterns to symbolic and nature-inspired motifs. Once practical tools for textile production, these vintage stencils are now appreciated as collectible works of art, beautiful for framing, display, or creative projects.

View the video below to see how katagami stencils are designed, cut, and used.