Cherry Blossoms

Pictures by The stencil cutters of Japan

White cherry blossoms open across a deep wine-red ground, taken from a katagami, a paper stencil that Japanese craftsmen cut in the 1800s for dyeing cloth. In Japan the sakura marks spring and new beginnings, and because the blossoms last only a few days, they are a yearly reminder to treasure the moment. For someone celebrating another year.

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On the back

From the stencil cutters of Japan / CHERRY BLOSSOMS / Katagami, a paper stencil for dyeing cloth, Japan, 1800s / Cherry blossoms (sakura) mark spring and new beginnings in Japan. They last only a few days, a yearly reminder to treasure the moment. / Printed in one colour, as on the dyed cloth.

A card for

• Birthday