Stencil with Small Pattern (Komon) of Cherry Blossoms
Not on view
Textiles with very small stencil-resist patterns (komon) were quite expensive because small patterns require great skill on the part of both the stencil cutter and the dyer. Stencils with small patterns of cherry blossoms were first used in the decoration of leather for armor. Komon came to be used for the formal dress of men of the samurai class—kamishimo, suits made up of a vest and skirtlike trousers. In the late Edo period innovative komon designs became popular for chic understated clothing of sophisticated townspeople.
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