Matsui Paper Printing Shop
[2009] Certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Katsushika Ward
Matsui Katagami-ten is a long-established Ise-katagami (Ise stencil paper) workshop located in Tateishi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo.
Ise-katagami is a traditional Japanese craft with a history of over 1000 years, in which delicate patterns are carved into stencils made of washi (Japanese paper) coated with persimmon tannin and used for dyeing kimonos, tenugui (hand towels), and other items.
Currently, the fourth-generation owner, Kifuko Matsui, has inherited the techniques, preserving traditional stencil carving while also focusing on creating works that suit modern lifestyles and conducting workshops. Ms. Matsui is a Katsushika-ku certified traditional craftswoman, contributing to the preservation of local culture, and is also certified as a "Tokyo Handicraft." In recent years, she has also challenged herself with new forms of expression, such as creating interior works and miscellaneous goods that utilize stencils, and is widely disseminating the charm of traditional crafts.
At Matsui Katagami Store, we carefully handcraft each stencil, preserving the traditional techniques passed down through generations. We cherish the delicate patterns unique to Ise Katagami, striving to create products that exude the warmth and elegance of handmade craftsmanship by meticulously finishing every detail.
Furthermore, we leverage our years of cultivated carving skills to incorporate designs that harmonize not only with traditional patterns but also with modern lifestyles and spaces. We are also particular about our material selection, aiming for a finish that combines durability and beauty. We value not only the value of our craftsmanship but also the fact that our products are familiar and cherished in everyday life, committed to creating products that connect Japanese traditional culture to the next generation.
Ise-katagami is a traditional Japanese stencil used for dyeing kimonos and yukatas, and is a craft that has developed mainly around Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture.
Craftsmen use small knives to carve delicate patterns into stencil paper, which is made by bonding washi paper with persimmon tannin to increase its strength, and then use these stencils to dye patterns onto fabric. It is characterized by its ability to uniformly dye intricate patterns such as komon (small patterns), stripes, and floral designs, and it developed significantly during the Edo period along with the spread of kimono culture.
Currently, it is designated as a national traditional craft, and its high level of skill and artistic merit are recognized both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, in recent years, it has been used not only for kimonos but also for interiors, art pieces, lighting, and miscellaneous goods, and is attracting attention as a craft that conveys the beauty of traditional Japan to the modern age.
The hand-carved dyeing stencils are sandwiched between glass and resin, and then coated with resin to enhance water resistance.
Matsui Paper Printing Shop
[2009] Certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Katsushika Ward
Matsui Katagami-ten is a long-established Ise-katagami (Ise stencil paper) workshop located in Tateishi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo.
Ise-katagami is a traditional Japanese craft with a history of over 1000 years, in which delicate patterns are carved into stencils made of washi (Japanese paper) coated with persimmon tannin and used for dyeing kimonos, tenugui (hand towels), and other items.
Currently, the fourth-generation owner, Kifuko Matsui, has inherited the techniques, preserving traditional stencil carving while also focusing on creating works that suit modern lifestyles and conducting workshops. Ms. Matsui is a Katsushika-ku certified traditional craftswoman, contributing to the preservation of local culture, and is also certified as a "Tokyo Handicraft." In recent years, she has also challenged herself with new forms of expression, such as creating interior works and miscellaneous goods that utilize stencils, and is widely disseminating the charm of traditional crafts.
At Matsui Katagami Store, we carefully handcraft each stencil, preserving the traditional techniques passed down through generations. We cherish the delicate patterns unique to Ise Katagami, striving to create products that exude the warmth and elegance of handmade craftsmanship by meticulously finishing every detail.
Furthermore, we leverage our years of cultivated carving skills to incorporate designs that harmonize not only with traditional patterns but also with modern lifestyles and spaces. We are also particular about our material selection, aiming for a finish that combines durability and beauty. We value not only the value of our craftsmanship but also the fact that our products are familiar and cherished in everyday life, committed to creating products that connect Japanese traditional culture to the next generation.
Ise-katagami is a traditional Japanese stencil used for dyeing kimonos and yukatas, and is a craft that has developed mainly around Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture.
Craftsmen use small knives to carve delicate patterns into stencil paper, which is made by bonding washi paper with persimmon tannin to increase its strength, and then use these stencils to dye patterns onto fabric. It is characterized by its ability to uniformly dye intricate patterns such as komon (small patterns), stripes, and floral designs, and it developed significantly during the Edo period along with the spread of kimono culture.
Currently, it is designated as a national traditional craft, and its high level of skill and artistic merit are recognized both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, in recent years, it has been used not only for kimonos but also for interiors, art pieces, lighting, and miscellaneous goods, and is attracting attention as a craft that conveys the beauty of traditional Japan to the modern age.
