Description

This Metalwork kit has been designed in collaboration with the V&A in London and is based on a Netsuke attached to an inro held in the museums Japan collections.

An inro is a container made up of tiers, worn because the traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, had no pockets. From the late 1500s onwards, Japanese men wore the inro suspended from their obi (sash) by a silk cord and a netsuke — a carved, button-like toggle. Originally used to hold a seal and ink, or a supply of medicines, inro rapidly became expensive fashion accessories with little practical use.

The Fish are stitched with silver plated and green opal metal threads and in a variety of stitches including Couching, Or Nue (couching with a colour) and Cutwork, surrounded by Pearl purl metal leaves, all traditional skills in this beautiful style of embroidery. The design also has patterning created with sequins on top of the metal threads!

The embroidery is then mounted on a pre cut board and placed on a wooden backing ready for hanging.

Clear illustrated instructions will guide you through this hand embroidery project.

The finished Fish embroidery, when mounted, measures approximately 12x7cm

All kits are designed by Becky Hogg Embroidery and produced in the U.K.

Suitable for all levels of ability, but not advisable for children.