This one-of-a-kind version of "Orchids" is finished by hand with composite gold leaf, tracing selected edges and contours of the cascading magenta blooms.
Unlike the more closely cropped gold-ink variation, this piece retains the original composition, allowing the full rhythm of the orchids to unfold across the soft yellow background. The gilded lines catch and reflect light as the viewing angle changes, creating a more pronounced sense of dimension and luminosity against the matte printed surface.
The work was inspired by orchids encountered during a summer visit to Japan, while also drawing on the flower’s long association in Chinese culture with refinement, grace, and beauty.
This piece began as part of my Kintsugi-inspired series, in which test prints and color variations were transformed through hand embellishment rather than discarded. The gold leaf was applied by hand, making this a unique physical version of "Orchids" that will not be reproduced in exactly the same form.
Presentation Inkjet print on fine art matte paper with hand-applied gold leaf, matted and unframed.
Composition Retains the full composition of the original Orchids artwork.
You may also be interested in the gold-ink embellished version, which features a closer crop of the flowers and a subtler metallic finish.
