Stencil

18th–19th century

Not on view

The tiny scattered pattern of this stencil consists entirely of two characters from the katakana syllabary, ki and ri. The curve of the lines that form the character ri adds a dynamic rhythm and movement to the design. Since Japanese is full of homonyms, several words can be formed from these two characters, but the most appropriate to the pattern may be kirikiri, a mimetic word referring to speediness and spinning.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Stencil
Date: 18th–19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Paper
Dimensions: 9 7/8 x 16 1/8 in. (25.1 x 41 cm)
Classification: Stencils
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Isao Honma and Mr. and Mrs. Shinjiro Okajima, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Tatsugoro Okajima, 1972
Object Number: 1972.105.5
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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