Carp

Pictures by The stencil cutters of Japan

A carp swims through curling water on this red Japanese katagami, a paper stencil cut in the 1800s for dyeing cloth, its scales shaped like hemp-leaf stars. In an old Chinese legend, a carp that leaps the falls of the Dragon Gate becomes a dragon, so the carp stands for hard work that pays off. For someone whose effort has just been rewarded.

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On the back

From the stencil cutters of Japan / CARP / Katagami, a paper stencil for dyeing cloth, Japan, 1800s / A carp whose scales are cut as hemp-leaf stars. In a Chinese legend a carp that leaps the falls of the Dragon Gate becomes a dragon, so the carp stands for effort rewarded. / Printed in one colour, as on the dyed cloth.

A card for

• Congratulations
• Graduation
• New job
• Good luck
• Retirement