Butterfly: A Stunning 3D Embroidery Brooch by Sayoko Kitai

Unleashing the Beauty of Morpho Rhetenor Helena Butterflies

This hand-crafted jewelry item is more than just an accessory; it is a work of art that can be worn with pride or displayed as a decorative piece at home. Sayoko Kitai's inspiration for this design came from her encounter with the threads used to make traditional Japanese sashes, known as Obi. Intrigued by their unique properties, she set out to create lifelike, fully 3D butterflies using threads that had never been used in the embroidery industry before.

The Butterfly brooch stands out from other designs with its form-changeable wings, which perfectly replicate the thin and shiny wings of real butterflies. Sayoko achieved this remarkable feat by utilizing the double-sided 3D embroidery technique, meticulously stitching the same pattern on both sides of the piece. The result is a lifelike butterfly that appears to be in mid-flight, its wings ready to take off.

What sets this design apart is the use of genuine gold and platinum threads, traditionally reserved for making Obi. These threads are incredibly hard and have never been used in Japan's embroidery industry until now. Sayoko's mastery of the craft allowed her to work with these challenging materials, resulting in a brooch that exudes luxury and elegance.

The Butterfly brooch is a testament to the designer's technical prowess and attention to detail. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted using 24K gold thread, 99.9 percent platinum thread, melee diamonds, platinum collets and prongs, lame yarn, wires, and an 18K gold brooch pin. The combination of these exquisite materials ensures that the brooch is not only visually stunning but also durable and long-lasting.

Measuring 80mm in width, 70mm in depth, and 40mm in height, the Butterfly brooch is a lightweight accessory, weighing only 7g. It comes beautifully packaged in a box, measuring 217mm in width, 219mm in depth, and 40mm in height, with a total weight of 420g.

Wearing the Butterfly brooch is a delightfully interactive experience. Simply place it on your outfit or ring, and by gently pulling it towards the bottom, the body of the butterfly acts as a stopper. This allows you to change the form of the wings, creating different looks to suit your style and mood.

The creation of the Butterfly brooch was a labor of love that spanned from June to December 2021 in Chiba, Japan. Sayoko dedicated extensive research to ensure the natural appearance of the piece, studying the forms, movement, and texture of butterfly wings. Through experimentation and innovation, she developed a new approach that resulted in a lifelike 3D appearance, capturing the essence of these beautiful creatures.

Sayoko faced several challenges during the creation of the Butterfly brooch. The hardness of the platinum and gold threads required precise control of stitching force to avoid breakage. Additionally, achieving symmetrical wing patterns by hand was a meticulous and demanding task. Finally, the design team invented a unique wiring technology to securely attach the brooch to outfits, ensuring it stays in place even during active movements.

The Butterfly brooch has garnered recognition and acclaim, winning the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2022. This award is a testament to the brooch's well-designed, practical, and innovative qualities, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Its integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to those who wear it.

With the Butterfly brooch, Sayoko Kitai has created a wearable masterpiece that celebrates the beauty and elegance of butterflies. This exquisite piece of jewelry showcases the designer's exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit, making it a must-have for art and nature enthusiasts alike.