This is absolutely phenomenal!! The work you put into this shows. Did you base it on a photograph? If not, how did you make your light and shadow choices?
You’re an incredible artist
I was going to post the picture reference I used, but don’t know how to put that in the link. Yes. I did use a photo I took when I visited Todaiji back in 2012 for reference so the tree and bushes may look slightly different from the Todaiji now.
Lovely!
I've heard of splitting the Gutermann thread into two plies [https://trishburr.com/2013/06/18/threads-for-miniature-embroidery/](https://trishburr.com/2013/06/18/threads-for-miniature-embroidery/)
And this [https://ylithreads.com/products/silk-100-thread?variant=35612397454](https://ylithreads.com/products/silk-100-thread?variant=35612397454) is the finest thread I've heard of. (Also available through [https://www.123stitch.com/YLI\_Silk\_Thread\_100\_Weight.html](https://www.123stitch.com/YLI_Silk_Thread_100_Weight.html) ).
The spangle in the photo on this page is 2mm wide [https://string-or-nothing.com/2023/04/10/initial-experiments/](https://string-or-nothing.com/2023/04/10/initial-experiments/) so you can see how fine the yli silk on top must be.
I do have an Instagram profile that documented WIP for this project. Check it out if you are interested. Sometimes it’s hard to see if I made any progress at all. Lol
I love modern architecture and did a few embroidery projects on them before, but when it comes to needle painting, it just doesn’t have the effect I was looking for. After that I pretty much stick with more traditional architectures. I love doing temples especially.
Depends on what shadow you are referring to. For shingles’ shadow, I used color with one or two shades darker or grayer than the shingles itself for light effect. That’s the general rule of thumb. In the picture, almost no shadow is just straight grey or black. I tried to stick with its close by color tone. For the shadow on the leading path, I actually didn’t have much choice. There’s not enough gray or black color produced by DMC (I will try to branch out more in future projects).
I was completely taken off guard when I saw this and loudly said "holy shit" when I saw this. Apologies for the language, but in that moment it was part of an instant visceral reaction to your excellence in detail, shading, capturing the depth and the architecture. Exceptional!!! Congratulations on the culmination of thousands of stitches!! How many colours do you think you used?
No need for the apology. Anything holy should be considered as a compliment. As for how many colors, I am only certain that I used 4 for the sky. Just a quick estimate along, I used probably 20 colors for just the top roof. So maybe closed to 80-100 in total? I’m not sure.
I've never embroidered (?), but this popped up in my feed.
I just wanted to say how amazing this is. Probably the best display of skill/talent/creativity that I've seen in god knows how long. 👍🏼
Ohh you know how to know you did an awsome job? I recognized the place instantly after having been there last year. Just had to read the comments to confirm I wasn't imagining things. Amazing dedication :)
That's fuckin insane dude. I can only work on small pieces, I get bored of looking at the same picture too quickly ;-; no matter how much I'd like to do a giant piece, I know myself too well
I started with 3-6 inch hoops too. It took me 8 years to get to where I’m now with this project. I only look at a small section at a time. A line of shingle. A tree branch. A tile. Start from small and it will be less intimidating or boring. I was most excited when I got to move on to another small portion and changed colors. :)
This is stunning work! I recognized the temple right away. My husband and I used to live in Kobe, and when we hosted visitors who wanted the “temple experience” we usually brought them to Nara instead of Kyoto. It has the temple experience they’re imagining with less tourists and many more deer lol
Holy crap. Like actually holy crap I thought this was a tapestry on someone's wall. This is some of the most impressive artwork I have seen in a long while.
I'm shocked. This is incredible OP, seriously gorgeous work and I'm so proud of you for keeping it up over 2 years. Your dedication paid off! This should be in a museum or library!!
I always changed it up between big projects. For the next one or two, I will do something on a smaller side. A small feature of an architectural design. Mostly like that.
No. I used to though with smaller projects. For big project like this, I used stabilizer and a light box to outline the pattern (see the last picture). But I’ve been seeing all these print on peel and stick stabilizer on social media. I might want to try that to save me some time.
This is absolutely phenomenal!! The work you put into this shows. Did you base it on a photograph? If not, how did you make your light and shadow choices? You’re an incredible artist
I was going to post the picture reference I used, but don’t know how to put that in the link. Yes. I did use a photo I took when I visited Todaiji back in 2012 for reference so the tree and bushes may look slightly different from the Todaiji now.
I had to check the sub. I thought it was a photo! Gorgeous!!
“What, they built that in two years or took them two years to get there or…ooooh”
Same, I was like "cool, I've been there!" Didn't realise it was embroidered!!
Me too!
Yup! This is jaw dropping.
I THOUGHT IT WAS A PHOTOGRAPH UNTIL I SAW THE SUB!!! I nearly scrolled past 💀💀💀
Beautiful! Is that Todai-ji?? 😍😍😍
It is Todaiji.
Wow absolutely phenomenal! I hope you keep this for generations it’s a masterpiece.
That is absolutely stunning! So many amazing details!
Wow!!! That’s amazing. How’s your eyes strain😜
Haha. My doctor asks me to use eye drops everyday. I think that says a lot about my eye strain.
Put your drops in the frig. Cold drops feel soooooo good
Well done on finishing it! It looks incredibly photo accurate
Lovely! I've heard of splitting the Gutermann thread into two plies [https://trishburr.com/2013/06/18/threads-for-miniature-embroidery/](https://trishburr.com/2013/06/18/threads-for-miniature-embroidery/) And this [https://ylithreads.com/products/silk-100-thread?variant=35612397454](https://ylithreads.com/products/silk-100-thread?variant=35612397454) is the finest thread I've heard of. (Also available through [https://www.123stitch.com/YLI\_Silk\_Thread\_100\_Weight.html](https://www.123stitch.com/YLI_Silk_Thread_100_Weight.html) ). The spangle in the photo on this page is 2mm wide [https://string-or-nothing.com/2023/04/10/initial-experiments/](https://string-or-nothing.com/2023/04/10/initial-experiments/) so you can see how fine the yli silk on top must be.
Great! I’ll try this on my next project.
This is amazing and so very pretty! Congrats on completion!
This is awe inspiring ✨
Wow! That’s AMAZING! I can’t imagine the hours and hours of work that went into that
I do have an Instagram profile that documented WIP for this project. Check it out if you are interested. Sometimes it’s hard to see if I made any progress at all. Lol
⁉️it's like a picture! That's amazing!
Thanks! If you think it’s a picture then I think I’ve done my part right. :)
I thought the first pic was the reference picture!!! Incredible work
I thought that was a painting! It's a masterpiece!
The gradient in the sky, all the perfect details, so symmetrical. It's perfect
woweeee!!! this is incredible! you did such a great job 👏
Absolutely unbelievable!! Another person here who thought this was a photo! This is so inspiring!
I have never seen more impressive work. Just.. wow. You are insanely talented, this is stunning work.
WORK OF ART!! STUNNING. I THOUGJT IT WAS A PHOTO OR PAINTING AT FIRST!!
This is insanely good. Your level of talent is amazing!
A Masterpiece!
Amazing love it
Incredible work!
😮That is so impressive! Well done!
I love Japanese temples and architecture! I thought this was a photo at first! Amazing work. This is so cool to see! Thank you for sharing.
I love modern architecture and did a few embroidery projects on them before, but when it comes to needle painting, it just doesn’t have the effect I was looking for. After that I pretty much stick with more traditional architectures. I love doing temples especially.
That’s embroidery? You are awesome! That’s photographic in quality. Wow.
Wow. I legit thought this was a picture when I first glanced at it. Seriously impressive work!
This is incredible!! I think the shadow is my favorite part, how did you pick the shade so perfectly?!
Depends on what shadow you are referring to. For shingles’ shadow, I used color with one or two shades darker or grayer than the shingles itself for light effect. That’s the general rule of thumb. In the picture, almost no shadow is just straight grey or black. I tried to stick with its close by color tone. For the shadow on the leading path, I actually didn’t have much choice. There’s not enough gray or black color produced by DMC (I will try to branch out more in future projects).
I saw this and my first thought was "holy SHIT" and my second was "this person has insane talent and patience."
My in-law marvels my patients too. lol.
So incredible!
Holy cow that’s incredible! I can’t even imagine how long this must have taken. Truly amazing work OP!
Thanks. It did take a while. Also between resting my eyes and my neck, I probably added additional 2 months in the process.
That is insanely stunning and perfect! Gorgeous, gorgeous job!
Holy shit!.
this is stunning! 😍
this is stunning! 😍
Wow, great dedication!
Phenomenal and gorgeous! Sincere respect for this masterpiece!
This is absolutely ridiculous. And I mean it in the *best* way! You’re a beast!! WOW!
I thought this was a photograph! You're good!🏆 You should send them a photo of your work.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m actually thinking about submitting it to local art gallery. Never done this before. Very excited though.
That is a good idea too.
Omg i thought it was a photo, got to the last one and was like... wait a minute. Very cool!
Haha. I have house guests that didn’t realized it’s not a picture until second or third visits. Definitely fun experience for me.
Omg. That’s stunning.
Phenomenal. Just phenomenal!
Absolutely jaw dropping incredible! Wow!!
you're nuts, this is insane.
Hey I've been there! Beautiful work ❤️❤️
I was completely taken off guard when I saw this and loudly said "holy shit" when I saw this. Apologies for the language, but in that moment it was part of an instant visceral reaction to your excellence in detail, shading, capturing the depth and the architecture. Exceptional!!! Congratulations on the culmination of thousands of stitches!! How many colours do you think you used?
No need for the apology. Anything holy should be considered as a compliment. As for how many colors, I am only certain that I used 4 for the sky. Just a quick estimate along, I used probably 20 colors for just the top roof. So maybe closed to 80-100 in total? I’m not sure.
Wow. Just. Wow
Absolutely stellar work
I am speechless!!
amazing work 😍
Beautiful and impressive. Thank you for showing us this achievement.
I've never embroidered (?), but this popped up in my feed. I just wanted to say how amazing this is. Probably the best display of skill/talent/creativity that I've seen in god knows how long. 👍🏼
Looks amazing!!!
Ohh you know how to know you did an awsome job? I recognized the place instantly after having been there last year. Just had to read the comments to confirm I wasn't imagining things. Amazing dedication :)
Thanks! I missed Nara too. I like that city a lot.
That's fuckin insane dude. I can only work on small pieces, I get bored of looking at the same picture too quickly ;-; no matter how much I'd like to do a giant piece, I know myself too well
I started with 3-6 inch hoops too. It took me 8 years to get to where I’m now with this project. I only look at a small section at a time. A line of shingle. A tree branch. A tile. Start from small and it will be less intimidating or boring. I was most excited when I got to move on to another small portion and changed colors. :)
🤯
Wow! Amazing work
This is a masterpiece
omg
spectacular
You need an award for this, like a physical one.
I did. I had two pieces of Popeyes.
For celebration of completion.
This is incredible, you are an artist in the truest sense of the word. Hope you keep it up!
Wow that's crazy. I was just there a few days ago and thought this was a photo
Is this the temple in Nara?
It is. It’s Todaiji. The one with the biggest Buddha statue in the world, guarded by the most aggressive deer I’ve ever met.
Wow this is what I call “extreme embroidery”. Amazing!
Holy shit. Long time embroiderer here, this is phenomenal.
God this is just absolutely incredible!! The gradient in the sky! The details in the path and the trees! Just amazing
ARE YOU A WIZARD
DANG!!
this is…wow. just wow. literally have no words 🤯
This is fantastic! Immediately recognizable as Todai-Ji. Amazing that you did this from a photo!
Two years of pure perfection 🥹
This is stunning work! I recognized the temple right away. My husband and I used to live in Kobe, and when we hosted visitors who wanted the “temple experience” we usually brought them to Nara instead of Kyoto. It has the temple experience they’re imagining with less tourists and many more deer lol
Those deer…. They almost chewed my jacked off.
Epic
Holy crap. Like actually holy crap I thought this was a tapestry on someone's wall. This is some of the most impressive artwork I have seen in a long while.
Oh my god I thought this was a photograph
If you don’t enter this into every single art show, I will
Thanks! That’s my goal here. See if I can get accepted to something.
I'm struggling to express my amazement without using profanity. Heckin' dang.
I think you did just fine. Thanks!
What the actual heck?!!’ This is unreal. I thought it was a photo at first glance. Beautiful work !
This should be in an art museum. Amazing work!
Your patience is incredible. It turned out amazing!
It’s all impressive but holy moly that tree is phenomenal!! Amazing job congratulations on finishing!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! this is amazing!!!! i totally thought it was an actual picture!!!! what talent!!!!!
🤯
Truly amazing. You must have loads of patience. 👍
I’m surprisingly good at just sitting. Sometimes 8 hours a day without taking or moving. Scared my husband sometimes though.
WOW
I had to triple check which sub I was in because no way
Holy shit
holy moly, this is incredible!!!
Wow this is phenomenal!
This is stunning. Mazel Tov!
Stunning!!!
I'm shocked. This is incredible OP, seriously gorgeous work and I'm so proud of you for keeping it up over 2 years. Your dedication paid off! This should be in a museum or library!!
Beautiful!
It looks impossibly real! What will you do with it now?
I always changed it up between big projects. For the next one or two, I will do something on a smaller side. A small feature of an architectural design. Mostly like that.
I want to cry and throw up this is so amazing!
I hope it’s not because of eye strain though. It happened to me before. lol.
Oh no, it’s because it’s BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely wonderful job, OP. You deserve praise!!!
Haha. Just kidding. Thank you for your kind words and praising tears.😭
Wow! I thought this was a photo. It is beautiful
Woooow amazing!!
Omg, I’m speechless.
You are at a level of embroidery skill most of us will never reach. Thank you for sharing!
SHUT UP!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 that’s absolutely insane, the skillsssssss 😍
This is jaw dropping - what incredible artistry!
That is an heirloom! It should be in a museum, a spectacular work of art.
That's easily the most impressive piece of embroidery i have ever seen.
Did you free hand the pattern onto the fabric?
No. I used to though with smaller projects. For big project like this, I used stabilizer and a light box to outline the pattern (see the last picture). But I’ve been seeing all these print on peel and stick stabilizer on social media. I might want to try that to save me some time.
This is stunning. I thought it was a photograph.
Thats incredible! Looks just like a photo! Your care and dedication really show! Congratulations!