Bunka shishu
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Nihongo, in English often shortened to bunka, is a form of Japanese embroidery originating in the early 19th century<ref name= through>Template:Cite book</ref> that became more widespread around the turn of the 20th century,<ref name= brides /> before then being introduced to the US after World War II.<ref name= through /> Bunka artists use a specialized embroidery needle and rayon threads (originally silk)<ref name= through /> to create very detailed pictures that some liken to oil paintings.<ref name= brides>Template:Cite book</ref> Typical subjects include people, living things (traditionally fish), landscapes<ref name= through /> 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.<ref name="Stewart2009">Template:Cite book</ref>
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),<ref name= through /> which provide a step-by-step guide to producing artwork.