Closely linked with the spread of Buddhism in the area, embroidery was introduced to the province of Kaga from Kyoto in the Muromachi period (1392-1573) and was used for the decoration of religious articles including altar cloths and the surplice worn by monks.
During the Edo period (1600-1868), embroidery came to be used to decorate many personal items and such things as an over garment called a jinbaori, which was worn by military leaders when they went into battle. The kimonos worn by noble ladies were also sometimes embroidered, and the dignified elegance of these garments pleasing the ladies greatly. With the attentive patronage of successive generations of Kaga clan leaders who prized and encouraged culture and learning, Kaga Nui developed individual characteristics and a degree of perfection that matched that of Kanazawa Haku and Kaga Yuzen.

The attractiveness of the motifs and patterns carefully embroidered using a full palette of colored silks, including gold and silver thread, is, one of the special features of Kaga Nui. Its glowing, heart-warming beauty embodies the courtly nature of wealthy Kaga province and the sincerity and sense of pride of its people fostered by the severe natural conditions in this area of the archipelago. As in the past, embroidery is still used to decorate top quality garments including the kimono as well as obi and fukusa, a tea caddy wrap used during the tea ceremony. Embroidered panels for screens are also made along with a number of other decorative items.