Export Katagami stencil with a design of roundels composed of pairs of phoenixes over a background of manji (swastikas), a Buddhist auspicious emblem and used to represent virtue in the Japanese tradition, within diamonds

Katagami known as Export Katagami, were produced only in the Meiji Period, and were never intended to be used as Katagami for the purpose of dyeing fabrics in Japan. Their sole purpose was to be sold on the export market as decorative items. They are distinctly different in design and style, many having a border and consequently not capable of repeat patterndyeing, but eminently suitable for framing as decorative items. Many exhibit a poor level of craftsmanship in cutting quality and technique. According to the curator of Edo Tokyo Museum and Fukagawa Edo Museum and other specialists, it was pointed out that these designs mixed together patterns of Japan and China, so are obviously not traditional Japanese design.