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Japanese Embroidery Book Review
Sally
Cowan, Keeping You In Stitches
If you love to sew, this is for you. For more than 1,000 years the art of Japanese embroidery remained within Japan, growing and developing among professionals through the apprentice system, passing always from master to apprentice orally, acquiring its own unique characteristics. The master embroiderer, Shuji Tamura, says the long isolation of Japan from the rest of the world so conducive to introspection, was highly favorable to the development of this art form. But he goes on to say however, "after over a thousand years" sleep, this cultural heritage . . . is now available to a wider public."
Through this new book The Techniques of Japanese Embroidery, Tamura uses detailed instructions and large-size illustrations, diagrams, and photographs to present more than 50 stitching techniques and provide the knowledge necessary to create beautiful, traditional Japanese embroideries. This book begins with a brief history of Japanese embroidery, from the prehistoric period to the present. The book then details the many motifs of Japanese embroidery, featuring individual illustrations as well as photographs of elegant embroidered pieces. Tamura describes the methods used to create Japanese embroidery and the materials needed, offering advice on framing and the types of fabric to use. Details provide insight into thread twisting, starting and finishing and thread, embroidering with flat silk and stitchable gold thread, and joining figures/motifs. Also detailed is the use of metal threads, which is an integral part of the design that adds texture and depth. The book also teaches through the use of helpful diagrams the many stitches used in Japanese embroidery. Featured are layer or stitch direction; holding; creating lines and geometric effects; superimposed preparation; couching; padding; and creating novel effects, fuzzy effects, knots, braided cords, and realistic effects. Techniques and designs range from flowers, trees, and birds, to more abstract works with detailed information on how to create curves, angles, and texture. (Krause publication -- $23.95) We all know the saying, something old, something new. This is definitely something old.
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