Size: 715mm × 395mm
Colors Used: 63
Stitch Count: 1,153,291
About the Work
This piece was created in response to a special request:
“Could you make Kinkaku-ji using gold and silver thread?”
At first, I honestly thought, “That might be impossible.” My usual photo embroidery technique relies on combining subtle color variations to build smooth gradients. But gold and silver thread offer very limited shades. In addition, the background would be stitched in rayon thread, which meant I had to separate the temple and the background completely when creating the data.
Technical Challenges
I began by editing the original image to separate the gold/silver areas from the brown wooden structure. What I focused on most was the ground floor of the Shariden (Golden Pavilion).
In most photos, this area appears dark and unclear. The reference photo I received was the same, but upon closer inspection, I noticed the silhouette of a Buddha statue.
To bring this out, I brightened the image significantly so the silhouette would emerge clearly. Then I converted it into stitch data. However, doing this altered the original color, which made the embroidery software pick incorrect threads. To avoid that, I manually selected and combined thread colors by observing the image directly. This hands-on decision-making led to the concept of what I now call “Free Photo Embroidery.”
Expressing with Gold and Silver Thread
With such limited color options, I couldn’t rely on hue differences to show form. Instead, I used differences in reflection—a technique I’ve used before when matching thread finishes—to create depth and detail.
This approach depends on instinct, experience, and a deep understanding of how light interacts with embroidery surfaces.
Result and Significance
The finished piece is likely the first photo embroidery in the world to depict Kinkaku-ji with gradient expression using gold and silver thread. For me, this work pushed the boundaries of both technique and imagination.
Reflection on the Process
This piece was completed in 2020. At the time, it represented the highest level of expression I could achieve. Later, by integrating the concept of Free Photo Embroidery, I discovered new levels of nuance and detail.
(Read the original article from that time)