Exhibition: The unlimited world in a stencil paper.: KATAGAMI Style – Paper Stencils and Japonisme

(above) Paper Stencil with Pattern of “Ume-ni-Kawarishikanjima”,　Japanese Apricots on Stripes, Liberty Ltd. ©Liberty Art Fabrics
(below)Liberty & Co., Sirang Silk Sample Book, c.1900-05, Liberty Ltd. ©Liberty Art Fabrics

Those who have read my blog know that I love traditional design patterns, like you. Sometimes I have written about Japanese traditional pattern designs.

The exhibition is a great compilation of such design patterns from around the world.

Left: Paper Stencil with Pattern of “Kogiku”, Chrysanthemums, Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
Right: Koloman Moser, Textile Design << Oracle Flower >> for Backhausen, 1901, Backhausen Interior Textiles GmbH – Archiv Backhausen, Vienna © Backhausen Interior Textiles GmbH – Archiv Backhausen Vienna

“Katagami” means stencil papers for Kimono. The delicate cutting looks like a lace or antique etching, it is unbelievable that it is made of paper with a knife. The traditional katagami patterns influenced many artists and designers such as Christopher Dresser, Charles Macintosh, Rene Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany since mid 19th century. “Katagami Style” shows their works with Katagami.

Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studio, Covered Box of < Etched Metal and Glass > Design in Grapevine Pattern, c.1905-20, The Metropolitan Museum of Art © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Image source: Art Resource, NY

This exhibition shows the relation between Japonisme and commercial design. As seamless patterns, katagami is suitable for fabric designs or background designs. Katagami designs were applied to furniture, drawings or tableware, and so on. You can see the products in Katagami designs.

If you are a designer or pattern lover, the exhibition will attract and inspire you. It provides a good opportunity to rediscover the fascination of classic pattern designs.

The exhibition store is selling “Design NORI” for this exhibition.

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