This was an amazing find. This is called "型紙" or "katagami". This is a stencil that was used to make "kashigata"
This one is made from wood. It is the image of "matsu" or pine tree. It is in fabulous condition.
This stencil could be used but it would also be fabulous framed and hung on a wall.
This stencil measures 18.3 x 8.8 cm.
More information on "kashigata" (the sweets made from the molds that were made using the stencils).Kashigata were used to make dried confectionery made of rice flour and sugar called rakugan. Earliest records show that this practice dates back to the mid-17th century. These confections were used as offerings and snacks for celebratory occasions and even unfortunate events. For example when a person died, it was expensive to give flowers or fresh food so, people made these sweets in the form of flowers, fish etc. These items were then placed on the "butsudan" (family shrine found in the house) for the dead person.
Kashigata were also used in the making of wagashi (nama-gashi or freshly made cake and hi-gashi or dried confectionery) for tea ceremonies.
Common kashigata motifs in the Edo era - chrysanthemums, plum blossoms
Meiji Era - spread of western technology - balloons, planes
World War II - national pride heightened - cherry blossoms, battleships - used as gifts for departing troops, ceremonies and commemorative occasions
With the advent of refrigeration, fresh fish replaced rakugan motifs like the sea bream. Sadly today, making offerings for fortunate and unfortunate events is no longer a common practice. This in turn has lessened rakugan demand although they are still found in tea ceremonies and homes. The decrease in kashigata artisans today has made kashigata carving a dying craft making kashigata itself a sought-after collectible.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40271001/vintage-japanese-wood-kashigata-stencil
