Untitled

Unknown

19th century · Paper reinforced with silk · Asian Art

This pictorial stencil includes two waterfalls. One originates at the top of the stencil and falls down, while the other begins at the bottom and rises: the pattern has a dual orientation. This design strategy is very common in stencils, especially those meant to produce cloth for traditional Japanese dress, which has no shoulder seams. A design without a top or bottom permits the pattern of the fabric to be oriented correctly on both the front and back of the garment.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Paper reinforced with silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Horace Havemeyer, 1942