Katazome (Japanese stencil dyeing technique)

Katazome(型染め) is a dyeing technique using a pattern carved stencil or mold.
Some designs use a large number of patterns for the amount of colors used. Others use resist dyeing paste on the patterns to dye the background in one color.
The main feature is that different colors can be used within the same pattern.

Even today, it is a representative of high-class kimono.

Katazome has been around for a long time. When new dyes were introduced from overseas, which were suitable for mass production, various Katazome were created.

Stencil carvers, that create such beautiful patterns without any deviation, are considered Japanese master craftsmen. They are proud of their craftmanship and dexterity.

Typical production area: Tokyo