Gazing upon artworks using kappazuri , an innovative Japanese stencil printing technique, similarities can be seen with Japan’s rich tradition of ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Others might recognize an affinity with stenciling techniques found in contemporary street art.

The roots of the art form can be traced back to katazome stencil dyeing often used in textiles, particularly in special items such as patterns for kimono and other fine Japanese fabrics.

Today, there are few artists working with this technique. The Tolman Collection, one of Tokyo’s most distinguished private galleries, has drawn upon its relationship with Hiromitsu Takahashi, one of kappazuri’s last practitioners, to release the publication, “The DyEing Art of Kappazuri” (¥3,000).