At Polasek Museum, an ancient art of Japan filled with shimmering beauty
The current exhibition at the Polasek Museum has roots that stretch back a millennium or more. But I promise I will condense the story of the fascinating art of nihon shishu so you can read it over a single cup of tea.
The art of Japanese embroidery, or nihon shishu, dates from more than 1,000 years ago. It’s an art form that could have died out, but thanks to a determined practitioner is now enjoying a worldwide renaissance.
The history of the art form reflects the history of Japan and the nation’s relation to the larger world. It began back around the 6th century as a way to create grand tapestries depicting the teachings of Buddha, as well as religious silk robes. Later, as silk kimonos became popular, the art took on a more secular nature.
As Japan remained isolated from the world through the centuries, the traditional knowledge of nihon shishu was carefully passed down from master to student. But after World War II, as Japan modernized and Westernized, the kimono became less important, and demand for silk embroidery fell off.
Enter embroidery master Iwao Saito. To keep the art alive, in 1965, he established a national school of Japanese embroidery, free to join and learn the tradition. His successor, Shuji Tamura, went further and began sharing the art form with the rest of the world, establishing the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta in 1989.
That’s where Winter Park resident Karyn Plater studied extensively; today, she’s one of only 15 active certified Japanese embroidery teachers, or sensei, in the United States. And she’s doing her part to pass the tradition to the next generation, training students for more than 20 years. In a full-circle moment, some even come from Japan to learn from her.
The art of Plater and her students is featured in the Polasek’s current exhibition, “Japanese Embroidery: A Journey of Tradition and Innovation.”
And at this point, you might be wondering what exactly sets Japanese embroidery apart from the needlework Aunt Mildred used to do.
The answer is found in the use of silk, both in the threads and base material, as well as in the intricate designs. But what gives nihon shishu its shimmer is the use of delicate metallic thread throughout.
More than the material is the imagery, which makes a kind of not-so-secret code for the Japanese, who recognize the meanings of the flora and fauna depicted. Cherry blossoms, for example, indicate the transience of life. Butterflies signify joy; drums are identified with conflict — but a drum covered with ivy symbolizes peace.
And, as with many aspects of Japanese culture, there’s a spiritual component, too.
Plater writes in her artist note that in her studio, “students must enter with a peaceful, harmonious heart.”
Those hearts are matched by skilled hands, as the beautiful creations on view in Winter Park pay homage to an ancient art.
Exhibit
Japanese Embroidery: A Journey of Tradition and Innovation: At the Polasek Museum, 633 Osceola Ave. in Winter Park, through Jan. 7. Admission is $7-$12.
Upcoming events
Kimono dressing: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 17. Learn about and wear the traditional Japanese kimono, dressed by professional instructor Satomi Hirano. Includes photo booth, snacks, sake, wine. $45.
Japanese embroidery workshop: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 15-16. Learn about the art form and create your own work under the guidance of Karyn Plater. No experience necessary; supplies provided. $175.
Family Day: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission with child-friendly activities to learn about Japanese culture. RSVP by Nov. 26.
More information: polasek.org
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