NT$550
Rakugan らくがん
The "Ruan Luo Gan" (Soft and sweet) of the Ming Dynasty in China spread through trade with Japan in the Muromachi period, and became widely distributed due to the rising popularity of tea ceremony. It was first made in Kyoto in the mid-17th century and was often used as a gift in the late Edo period. Red and white are the colors of joy and blessing, with the red rakugan being seen as a symbol to ward off evil spirits. In addition to being widely used in tea ceremony and gift-giving in Japan, rakugan is also used as prayer offerings in festivals such as Hinamatsuri, Higan and Obon.
Multi-layered Chrysanthemum やえぎく Yaegiku
With its petals layered upon each other and blooming in full glory, the chrysanthemum exudes elegance and symbolizes longevity and good fortune.
Specially selected sugar and kanbaiko* is kneaded together, then firmly packed into finely-carved Japanese wooden molds and pressed into chrysanthemum shapes with exquisitely 3D petals. Without filling, the size of a single piece is about 4.5 x 4.5 cm.
*Kanbaiko かんばいこ: very fine cooked glutinous rice powder, commonly used for higashi (dry confectionery with a moisture content of 10% or less).
Emily Sensei says:
The unique wooden molds of higashi-making are products of the most fantastic craftsmanship. However, those who have inherited this craft are facing an alarming shortage, which inspired me to build awareness for it. After six years of promoting, our countrymen have finally become more aware of higashi. I hope that this national treasure of expert carving craftsmanship can continue and be passed down from generation to generation.
-"Wagashi Bible", p.244
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