Stitching decoration onto a fabric. In the Nara period, untwisted silk glossy threads were used to create lustrous images of birds, flowers, and abstract designs. The primary technique used was satin stitch (long parallel lines to fill in defined areas), sometimes done so the design appears the same on obverse and reverse of the fabric. Chain stitch occurs less frequently. Earlier, seventh-century embroideries employed tightly twisted and plied threads in chain stich. The Repository preserves several embroidered sashes and banners.