Art You Can Eat

Gaku (gah-koo), a Japanese artist, creates intricate carvings in fruit and vegetables. He works with two traditional carving techniques. The fruit carving is based on a Thai technique that is mostly for display. The vegetable carving is a traditional Japanese art known as mukimono (moo-kee-moh-noh), which roughly translates as “the stripping of things.” The carvings serve as garnish on artistically presented meals.

Working with these art forms requires a quick and steady hand. Gaku uses a single sharp knife to create each detailed pattern. He races the clock to carve the food before it wilts or turns brown. Apples can take 2 hours, and vegetables can take up to 12. 

Gaku enjoys carving apples, radishes, and watermelons the most. And the artist is careful to avoid wasting food. When he finishes, he always eats his work!