Ise Katagami

Intricately carved paper stencils from Mie used for kimono dyeing.

Ise katagami are hand-carved paper stencils produced in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, used for dyeing kimono fabrics for over a thousand years. Artisans use tiny, razor-sharp carving knives to cut intricate patterns into layers of washi paper laminated with persimmon tannin (kakishibu), creating stencils of astonishing precision and delicacy. Four carving techniques — tsukibori, hikibori, dogubori, and kiribori — each produce distinct pattern characteristics. These stencils influenced Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designers when they reached Europe in the 19th century.