an apple, also carved with a variety of Japanese patterns (wagara).
a pattern that resembles the traditional Japanese asanoha floral pattern, carved into broccoli.
Oh, how I wish I was talented in the carving/sculpture department. If I had sprogs though, I’d think this might be fun family time, let’s have fun carving up our veg before we cook it and eat it!
Japan has a rich tradition of food carving called mukimono. If you’ve ever eaten at a fancy restaurant in Japan you might have found a carrot carved into a bunny, garnishing your plate. But in the hands of Japanese artist Gaku, the art of fruit and vegetable carving is elevated to a new realm of edible creations.
One constraint to carving fruits and vegetables is that sometimes you must work fast. The moment a peel is removed, oxidization will start to discolor your artwork. So, depending on the variety, Gaku’s carvings are probably created within several minutes. Armed with a tool similar to an x-acto knife and a fruit or vegetable from the grocery store, Gaku carves intricate patterns that are often inspired by traditional Japanese motifs.
Gaku points out that the banana is great fruit to practice with because it’s cheap and easy to carve. When asked what he does with all his creations after he’s done, his reply is simple: he eats them. “Except for the banana peel.”
You can see more of Gaku’s creations on his instagram account.
Via Spoon & Tamago.
The cellular design in the broccoli looks like some traditional islamic carved art.
Amazing work! They had to go fast to keep the banana from turning brown…
Now that is just so cool… how fun that would be!
I am most impressed with the broccoli! I used to cook professionally, so I know a thing or two about vegetables and using a knife -- and I could never do anything like this.
Just, wow -- I wonder what it’s like to have hands steady enough to do that?
The broccoli is my fave, too! Geometry and tiling on a vegetable base.
You really, really have to visit his Instagram, it’s beyond amazing.
I’m scared of that apple. If I tried to eat it, it would open up and the Cenobites would come for me.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of mukimono, at least not by name, and am all-but-certain I’ve never artworks like those pictured. I’m also quite happy the artist then eats them.
never seen, that is…
What does a carved food offering to Tpyos look like?