Kidoguchi’s work weaves together a range of traditional techniques, with artistic intent present from the very first step of selecting the gold leaf. Each sheet, as thin as one ten-thousandth of a millimeter, is chosen for its unique character and carefully arranged to form backgrounds rich with visual depth. To adhere such a delicate leaf flawlessly onto silk using nikawa, a traditional animal glue, requires extraordinary sensitivity to humidity and timing—skills honed only through years of experience.

Building on this foundation, Kidoguchi employs techniques such as haku-moriage (raised gold-leaf work) and honkin-chirashi (sprinkled genuine gold leaf) to add sculptural dimension and layered brilliance. The result is work that radiates both technical mastery and artistic allure, allowing the luminous spirit of gold leaf to shine through fully.

Though gold leaf is delicate and fragile, almost impossible to control, it reveals an astonishing range of expressions depending on how it is used—at times radiating a deep, solemn glow, at others shimmering softly, with even the slightest wrinkle transforming into a living texture. In his work, Kidoguchi turns to the ultimate symbol of Japan’s mountains: Mount Fuji. Among its many faces, the rare “Red Fuji” is especially revered, believed to be a sight of exceptional good fortune. Through a mastery of traditional techniques, he captures this fleeting spectacle—seen only on early mornings from late summer to early autumn—when clouds, mist, and the rising sun bathe Fuji in a vivid crimson. Alongside this vision, he also portrays the mountain draped in snow, embodying its majestic stillness.

The result is an image imbued with a sense of the mysterious and profound, born of the artisan’s hand. Simply gazing upon it, one feels a quiet strength, as though Mount Fuji itself were breathing before you, offering both serenity and inspiration.