A trapunto is a layered or filled embroidery that has additional stitching, padding or loft to give the embroidery a three dimensional effect. They were popular from the 1890s until the Second World War and are now a highly sought after war souvenir.

Its name is actually Italian and it gets its 3D-effect as it uses at least two layers of material. The stitched design is then placed on top of the thick cloth and a trapunto looks almost 'padded', which makes it stand out in comparison to a standard, flatter flag design.

These were made in the Orient, mostly in Japan, and the finest examples were crafted by G. Fukuchi's George Washington Company, the world's leading manufacturer, and they featured flags, coats of arms, eagles, dragons, anchors, ships, militaria, and portraits.

This quilting technique originated in Italy in the 13th century and can easily be confused with the 17th-century made French quilts known as Provencal quilts. Trapuntos were considered to be highly desirable souvenirs for both American and foreign servicemen serving in the Far East as their popularity traveled around the world.