RO-KATA: Japanese Wax Stencil Process

The first in a long-awaited series of instructional DVDs by master artist Kiranada Sterling Benjamin. A “complete course on one disc” RO-KATA covers the origins of this unique process in 8C Japan and its contemporary development as a flexible art technique for applying pattern to fabric with wax and dye. It is only in the past thirty years that ro-kata (wax stencil) have been explored enough to be a viable alternative to other pattern-making techniques such as cap, fabricated-metal wax stamps.

Included in the DVD are ten units on:

• History
• Materials
• Cutting a Stencil
• Preparing to Wax
• Applying Wax to Stencil
• Cleaning Stencil
• Waxing Hibiscus
• Dyeing
• Blending Process
• Steaming and Finishing

This 53 minute DVD is accompanied by a booklet of written instructions on Process, Sizing and Steaming the fabric for permanency. This is the first DVD available, world-wide, of this exciting, innovative process.

For the artists as well as the art educator: Ro-Kata gives information on how to prepare and utilize a strong re-usable paper stencil with confidence. The process of Ro-Kata comes with the advantage of a low investment in materials and greater flexibility for design building. It can appeal to the artist wishing to create single-image art and those wanting unique background pattern such as in the fashion industry. Kiranada’s research into ro-kata has spanned twenty-five years, and was first documented in the book The World of Rozome: Wax-Resist Textiles of Japan . Her personal work with ro-kata includes its use on kimono, obi, scrolls, standing screens as well as fashion and wall hangings.