A Brief History of Japanese Embroidery
The Center, its mission, and Nuido™
Introducing Nuido™ to the world
A Brief History of Japanese Embroidery
Japanese embroidery (nihon shishu in Japanese) is an embroidery technique that goes back more than one thousand years. Shishu originated in China and was eventually introduced to Japan by Korean artisans; around the same time that Buddhism entered Japan. In its early stages Japanese Embroidery was only used for decorating items used during religious ceremonies. Over time, as shishu developed its own unique Japanese qualities and characteristics, it took on a more artistic purpose. According to historians, from the early Heian Period Japanese embroidery was primarily used for decorating costumes of the Ladies of the Court. During these early stages shishu was only available to a select group; only the highest ranks of society could afford such costly work. However, after a thousand years' sleep, this cultural heritage, the fruit of countless predecessors, is now available to a wider audience.
The Center, its mission, and Nuido™
The Japanese Embroidery Center, located in Dunwoody, Georgia, was founded in 1989
by Shuji and Masa Tamura. The Japanese Embroidery Center (JEC) is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Japanese embroidery through the pursuit
of Nuido™, The Way of Embroidery.
The word Nuido™ is made up of two parts; Nui, or embroidery (also shishu), and Do, the way of Nui refers to the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge. Do refers to the development, and constant discovery, of the spiritual components of the art of Nuido™. Nuido™ has three aspects: the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge (rationality), the development of artistic sensitivity and awareness (sensitivity), and understanding the spiritual aspects of shishu(Spirituality), resulting in a state of peace, calm, and harmony.
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The skilled hands of the embroiderer, having a deep relationship with his or her heart, produce a gorgeous world of embroidery. The work not only reflects the state of your inner heart, but it also shows your lifestyle in the way you use the techniques and the way you select colors. There is no way that a vague and superficial life will create work that will touch people's hearts.
Hands are the exit of spirit
When the spirit flows from the hands, it is called "labor." From nothing, the hands start to create wonderful works of art. The hands are the exit of the spirit. The movement of the hands embodies human longings and human beings are formed by the work of the hands. The hands create forms that never existed before, and this art of creation is uniquely human. That is, human hands carve an image of the individual out of vacant space. Humans recognize the level of their own spirit by looking at what they have created with their hands. That is, the hands enable the spirit to emerge as works of art, and it will reflect what is in your heart. As a result, what is in your heart shows in your work, and the hands will reflect what level you are, sometimes joyfully, sometimes sadly.
Introducing Nuido™ to the world
By accommodating a cup of tea into "the way," Sado (the way of tea/the tea ceremony) has reached the level of art. In Japan, there are other "ways" such as Kendo, Shodo, Judo, Kado, and all which have attained the height of quality by fusing techniques with the spiritual concept of "the way." Traditional Japanese Embroidery has evolved, in its thousand-year history, into The Way of Embroidery.
We have emphasized the connection between the heart and the techniques. As we look toward the new millennium, we will start walking on the path of Nuido™ that is aimed at the fusion between Nui (techniques) and Do (spirit). With our wish to unite all people in harmony, we will introduce Nuido™ to the world.
Activities of the Center
It is our goal to engage in activities which, through Nuido™, serve to raise Japanese embroidery to a higher level and to reach a wider audience. Activities undertaken by the Center include the following:
- Designing new works Developing curriculum
- Recruiting teachers Holding classes
- Training teachers Providing teaching materials
- Publishing books and journals Organizing/staging exhibitions
- Supporting teachers
- Organizing/staging educational tours and lectures
Click here for our Schedule of Classes.
Japanese Embroidery Center
2727 Spalding Drive,
Atlanta, GA 30350 USA
Phone: 770.390-0617 Fax: 770/512-7837
e-mail: info@japaneseembroidery.com
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