Price range: NT$333 through NT$840
Several times I searched for colors amidst the misty rain, but only sorrow remains in the empty mountains and valleys along the river.
The moon shines on the long buildings, and the crows cry on the paulownia tree.
Butterflies flutter among the flowers at dusk, a solitary figure faces the empty sky.
The wild geese descending must have feelings, but I can only lament the inexplicable sorrow.
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.
Specially selected sugar and Japanese kanbaiko* is kneaded together, then firmly packed into finely-carved Japanese wooden molds and pressed into chrysanthemum shapes. Bite-sized, without filling, the size of a single piece is about 3x3cm. Usually, one piece is served with a bowl of matcha (similar to the concept of a cup of coffee with a sugar cube). The refreshing sensation of melting like a cloud of mist on the tip of the tongue is as dreamy as its name "Rakugan" (wild geese descending from the sky).
*Kanbaiko かんばいこ: also known as "mijin powder", glutinous rice is steamed to make mochi, stretched and roasted into white flakes, and then grounded into 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
Paulownia box きりばこ Kiribako
The advantages of paulownia wood boxes are light weight, moisture absorption, moisture isolation and humidity control, good air permeability, strong structural stability, and not easy to deform. They are especially suitable for storing all kinds of dry ingredients. They can store items that are prone to rust or need to be moisture-proof. Most insects don't like to get close either. The lid of the custom-made paulownia wood box with Toukaya's brand is very tight. Please be sure to keep it for continued use after you have finished eating the rakugan.
