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Home > Lifestyle News > Culture News > Article > Learn the Japanese way of sculpting candies at a fest

Learn the Japanese way of sculpting candies at a fest

Updated on: 13 September,2017 02:30 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Krutika Behrawala |

In a YouTube video, 27-year-old Tokyo-based artist Shinri Tezuka is seen engrossed in Amezaiku, the now rare Japanese art of sculpting candy that dates back to the 1600s, when they were used as offerings at temples in Kyoto

Learn the Japanese way of sculpting candies at a fest

Candy artist Shinri Tezuka in a YouTube video that will be screened at the fest
Candy artist Shinri Tezuka in a YouTube video that will be screened at the fest


In a YouTube video, 27-year-old Tokyo-based artist Shinri Tezuka is seen engrossed in Amezaiku, the now rare Japanese art of sculpting candy that dates back to the 1600s, when they were used as offerings at temples in Kyoto. Using scissors and tweezers, Tezuka sculpts a semi-solid blob of starchy sugar syrup into a life-like crystal goldfish.


This video will be screened at Japan Art Festival, a half-day event organised by Fujiwara Japanese Consultant, a city-based firm launched by the father-daughter duo Mahesh and Rumy Joshi. The two run a Japanese language institute and offer interpreter services. "Our aim is to not only assist in the language but also introduce Mumbaikars to the country's art and culture scene. Some time back, we had conducted an origami and calligraphy seminar. This art festival is the next step," says Rumy.


A broken bowl repaired with the art of Kintsugi using powdered gold
A broken bowl repaired with the art of Kintsugi using powdered gold

Along with Amezaiku, you can also watch a bunch of online videos on bonsai art, ikebana or the intricate art of flower arrangement, and Kintsugi, a traditional method of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold. "The philosophy behind the art is that we should accept flaws and imperfections rather than disguising them as damaged, and throwing them away," she reasons. The team has also sourced a video that shows you Charaben, the art of styling a bento box to resemble animal figurines.

Fifteen students, who attend language sessions, will also showcase Japanese artworks. Harshali Salunke, who will create Japanese doll bookmarks (Rs 25 onwards), says, "I'll make 3D kimono-wearing dolls using the art of origami." Manga sketches, paintings, Japanese temple replicas and hair accessories will also be part of the exhibition.

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