Japanese Katagami(Paper Stencils) Kimono Komon Katsushika Symbol of quality and reliance.

Kouzou Yada's so rare items that we listed on eBay. Not only his works but Katagami(Paper Stencils) are very rarely offered in Japan. We can only see Katagami at the art gallery of Japanese Paper Stencils. However, The great technique of Katagami craftsman is drawing attention these days. Good pieces of work began to trade at a high price between enthusiasts. especially Edo komon, which was a very popular kimono pattern with the Samurai of the Edo period. Kouzou Yada has refused to sell his works as objects of art. Because he thinks it immoral behavior as a craftsman. He had been focusing on Katagami for dyeing Kimono fabric. But he had been making Katagami which were not for dyeing Kimono fabric to improve his skills. One of them is this item "Shou-Chiku-Bai". Now, He accepted our plan. This is the first time his works have been offered for sale. We are pleased to offer his work.

[ Item specifics ] Conditions: NEW Framed measurements: width  23.2"(59cm) height 18.1"(46cm) The canvas measures: width  17.7"(45cm) height 13.3"(34cm)

What is Katagami? It would ordinarily be said that a paper stencil used for decorating textiles is not in itself a work of art. It is a mechanical device by means of which a work of art is produced, but it need hardly be said that its quality determines the quality of the final product. Stencils have an intriguing attraction, created by monochromatic impact of their silhouettes. They required the work of highly skilled craftsmen with both good technical training and a refined artistic sense. Paper stencils(Katagami) are stencils for dyeing made from Japanese paper(Washi) waterproofed with persimmon tannin(kakishibu) on which patterns are carved. They are used in the application of designs to cloth on which small figures(Edokomon) are dyed, printed silk(Yuzen), and light cotton cloth for kimonos. Their history is long, with stencil dyeing(katazome) done in the kamakura period(1185-1333) employing the same techniques that are used today. We hope this oppotunity will intorduce to you the elegance and beauty of these stencils which were indispensable aids in the production of the textile arts.

[ About Edo komon ] Edo komon that samurai cultures created pattern of kimonos. We introduce about Katagami, necessary to intorduce about Edo komon before. Edo komon is one of the dyeing technique of kimono. Please see the following pictures, it looks like unpatterned kimono from a distance. But you see it in the short distance, you can see very delicately pattern on kimono. It was not smart that a luxurious living and clothes were for the samurai. Because Edo komon was an ultimate smart dresser for a samurai(bushi). Edo komon is produced by the collaboration between craftsman of a stencil maker(Katabori) and craftsman of kimono dying. Please watch the video in which Yasutaka Komiya who is a living national treasure talks about paper stencil designs. Kozou Yada works with him. We think that you can understand the genuine beauty of Japanese if you watch this video.

[ More information about Edo komon ] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s1fcx2WC34 http://www.nihon-kogeikai.com/KOKUHO/KOMIYA-YASUTAKA/KOMIYA-YASUTAKA-SAKUHIN.html

Kouzou Yada (Stencil Paper Carver) Born 1955, Kouzou chose to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a third generation Stencil Paper artist. In 2003, he was certified as a master of traditional craftsman by Katsushika Ward Office.

Kouzou Yada original - Dragon

In the motif of Hiroshige Utagawa One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo Hyakkei) "Great Bridge, Sudden Shower at Atake" See picture

In the motif of Hiroshige Utagawa One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo Hyakkei) "Kinryuzan Temple, Asakusa" See picture In the motif of Hiroshige Utagawa One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo Hyakkei) "Fukagawa Susaki and Jumantsubo" See picture

In the motif of Hiroshige Utagawa The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi) "The Morning glow at the Nihonbashi" See picture

In the motif of Hiroshige Utagawa One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo Hyakkei) "Yuhi Hill and the Drum Bridge at Meguro" See picture

Kouzou Yada original - Shinshu Takatou with printed t-shirt

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Thank you for visiting our store. This store is managed by Katsushika Traditional Crafts Association (KTCA) in Katsushika ward which is located in eastern Tokyo.  This area has a reputation for producing many leading traditional master craftsman. In 1991, the KTCA was officially authorized by the Katsushika ward local Government to develop the traditional craft industry.  The cuwent membership of the association is more than 40 master craftsman including living National Treasures. This store was founded with the aim of introducing Japanese traditional crafts and culture to the world.  All goods are made by award winning master craftsman and all goods are guaranteed as genuine by Katsushika ward Government.  Because the goods are so rare and wonderful, even people living in Japan sometimes find it difficult to obtain them. If you have any inquires or requests, please contact us anytime.  Now, enjoy guaranteed safe, shopping.

Katsushika Dento Sangyo Kan 7-3-16 Tateishi Katsushika Ward, Tokyo 124-0024 JAPAN

[ Shipping ] Shipping is FREE!! All items shipped are insured. We send it by EMS(Express Mail Service). EMS is produced by Japan Post. It is top priority among international mails is placed on this service and fastest delivery service.

Area Average number of days North America 3 - 5 days Europe 2 - 5 days Oceania 3 - 4 days Asia 2 - 8 days

[ Customs, Import duties and Tax fees ] Any customs, import duties or tax fees are the buyer responsibility. Please note that we cannot mark the customs tag as a "GIFT" or to value the order at less than what you paid for the merchandise.

[ Charge of Shipping ] Masaki Hakuta, Katsunori Hosono. Tel: +81-3-5879-9550 Fax:+81-3-5879-9572

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You may return it to us within 7 days after receipt and receive a refund. Refund given as: Money Back Return shipping paid by: Buyer Additional return policy details:  - Items can only be returned if undamaged.  - PayPal money back fee paid by buyer.  - Foreign exchange rate losses paid by buyer.

For any questions or comments, please feel free to E-mail us and we will contact you as soon as possible. Thank you for looking & enjoy guaranteed safe shopping.