Amezayku - the traditional Japanese art of creating delicate miniature caramel sculptures. It has been known in Japan since the Heiyan era. Then, in the 8th century, they were brought to temples in Kyoto (the capital city at that time) as a reward to the gods.
17th to 19th century, during the Edo period, starchy caramel Mizumae gained wide popularity. The masters presented their art right on the streets of large cities, and the audience could buy from them incredibly exquisite beauty sweets.
Currently, only a few centers of ancient art have survived in Japan. The youngest sculptor Amezayku - 30 years old Shinri Tezuka.
As a rule, these are figurines of animals, fish and birds.
Lollipops are made from viscous sugar syrup melted at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius.
Having received the desired consistency of the starting material, the master separates the piece with his hands and forms a rounded bun, which is then pushed onto a glass rod. Now the process of creating a miniature sculpture begins. No stamping! Each figurine is unique.
When the sweet sculpture is ready, it is decorated with food paint using fine art brushes.
Shinri Tezuka works in the Tokyo studio of Hanakawado Amezayku Ameshin. He hospitably opened the doors of his studio so that we could watch the process of ancient Japanese art.