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Iris Stencil 1

Our Inspiration: Stencil with Pattern of Irises on a Geometric Background
Japan
Paper reinforced with silk, 15 7/8 x 16 1/8 in., 19th century
Gift of Mrs. Horace Havemeyer, 1942 42.91.27
Irises are associated with an episode from The Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari), in which travelers, far from home, reach a marshy spot spanned by many bridges and resplendent with blooming irises. While no water is overtly represented in this stencil, the light and dark rectangles of the background bring to mind rudimentary bridges. They also create the opportunity for a stunningly successful play of positive and negative space in the stencil's design.

Our Inspiration: Stencil with Pattern of Irises on a Geometric Background
Japan
Paper reinforced with silk, 15 7/8 x 16 1/8 in., 19th century
Gift of Mrs. Horace Havemeyer, 1942 42.91.27
Irises are associated with an episode from The Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari), in which travelers, far from home, reach a marshy spot spanned by many bridges and resplendent with blooming irises. While no water is overtly represented in this stencil, the light and dark rectangles of the background bring to mind rudimentary bridges. They also create the opportunity for a stunningly successful play of positive and negative space in the stencil's design.