KAGA-NUI (EMBROIDERY)

KAGA-NUI (EMBROIDERY)
HISTORY & FEATURES

This embroidery was brought to the province of Kaga from Kyoto in the mid 14th century by Buddhist missionaries. It was used as decoration for Buddhist items as a sign of sublimity, such as rugs for Buddhist statues and monks’ robes. The sophisticated Kaga-nui techniques developed as one of the traditions of Kaga, which flourished as one of the richest provinces in Japan.
Kaga-nui is characterized by beautiful, painstakingly hand-stitched raised designs and patterns. The silk threads used are of various colors, including gold and silver. Recently, Kaga-nui has come to be used for interior decoration. It can be found on decorative frames, room lamps and tapestries, as well as on Buddhist implements, kimonos and obi belts, and hanging scrolls.