Bunka shishu (文化刺繍), in English often shortened to bunka, is a form of Japanese embroidery originating in the early 19th century[1] and becoming more widespread around the turn of the 20th century,[2] and then introduced to the US after World War II.[1] Bunka artists use a specialized embroidery needle and rayon threads (originally silk[1]) to create very detailed pictures that some liken to oil paintings.[2] Typical subjects include people, living things (traditionally fish), landscapes[1] and traditional Japanese scenes.
Bunka is considered a form of punch needle technique, and the rayon threads used are woven in a chainette format, which, when opened, gives a boucle texture to the yarn. Unlike other embroidery techniques, however, bunka is worked from the front of the fabric rather than the back.[3]
Unlike some other forms of embroidery, bunka is fragile and is usually presented as artwork rather than as clothing adornment. Bunka has gained in popularity since the advent of numbered kits (similar to paint-by-number[1]), which provide a step-by-step guide to producing artwork.
References
- ^ a b c d e Amoroso Leslie, Catherine (2007). "Punch Needle". Needlework Through History: An Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 165. ISBN 9780313335488 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Ward Crawford, Miki; Hayashi, Katie Kaori; Suenaga, Shizuko (2010). "Chapter 4: From Hardships to RN: Katsu Hall". Japanese War Brides in America: An Oral History. ABC-CLIO. p. 48. ISBN 9780313362019 – via Google Books.
- ^ Stewart, Marinda (20 May 2009). Punchneedle The Complete Guide. Krause Publications Craft. p. 20. ISBN 978-1-4402-2130-9.
See also