This listing is for a single vintage Japanese katagami stencil used to create tenugui hand towels. Read below to learn more about katagami stencils.

A sea of movement captured in an extraordinary vintage Japanese katagami stencil! Graceful, overlapping waves flow across with sweeping curved lines, delicate curling crests, and touches of sea foam creating a rhythmic ocean landscape. The traditional Japanese wave motif symbolizes strength, resilience, and the continuous flow of life.

The intricate wave design features exceptionally fine cut lines supported by a delicate mesh screen, allowing the flowing patterns to appear almost suspended in air. The combination of precise craftsmanship and the stencil's unusually large size makes this a striking example of Japanese textile artistry.

This stencil measures 48 x 18 inches and shows signs of age and use, including discoloration, surface wear, and deterioration along the dark outer frame. There is significant damage at one end where the delicate mesh screen has broken and separated from the frame, as shown in the photographs.

These stencils are still usable but would need a gentle touch.  More suitable for framing.

Tenugui have been made for decades as sight-seeing souvenirs or as promotional or thank-you gifts given by companies, municipalities, banks and the like to employees and patrons. Tenugui stencils are much like the ones used to make kimono, but these are longer and each is used to make a full length tenugui. The dye process is also different from kimono fabric dyeing.

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.