Katagami and symbolism with Mamiko Markham

Researcher and practitioner Mamiko Markham presents a talk exploring the symbolism of the motifs used in katagami stencil design and the methods used to make them.

Researcher and practitioner Mamiko Markham presents a talk exploring the symbolism of the motifs used in katagami stencil design and the methods used to make them.

Katagami stencils are a Japanese technique for applying printed pattern to cloth, traditionally for kimonos. They are recognised as having had an important relationship with, and impact on, art and design across the globe.

Mamiko Markham was born in Kyoto, Japan, and grew up with katazome (Japanese method of dyeing fabrics using a resist paste applied through a stencil) from a young age. Her great grandfather was a katagami maker. She has a deep knowledge of the symbolism of the motifs used in katagami design and in the techniques used to make them.

She has taught Japanese art and craft for over 25 years in Japan. and has worked extensively for UNESCO on guidance of art and craft education in Central Asia for fashion development using traditional folk textile weaving and dyeing.

Markham is currently working as a researcher and practitioner with Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture on their Katagami in Practice project Art School. Her research uses both ordinary and infrared photography to examine the katagami stencils in MoDA’s Silver Studio Collection to determine geographical origins, dates and makers (merchants).

Free, book via Eventbrite.
Location: Please note that the talk takes place at M&S Company Archive, Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds
LS2 9JT (sat nav LS2 9LP)

The event will be followed by the opportunity to visit Katagami – the craft of the Japanese stencil exhibition at ULITA from 6pm-8pm. Refreshments served.

This event is funded by Museum Development Yorkshire in partnership with M&S Company Archive and Leeds Art Library, Leeds Central Library (Leeds City Council).