Kyogashi, a delicate traditional confectionery from Kyoto, stars in the exhibition, “Zen Nature in the palm of the hand”, which is now in its sixth edition in Kyoto. An exhibition that proposes a tour of the artisan confectionery of the imperial capital with centuries of history, emphasizing Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony, two elements that inspire these little delicacies.

Kyogashi pastry recreates, in its colors, ingredients, and shapes, the different seasons as well as the Japanese literary and artistic universe with abstract and sophisticated shapes. The pieces, weighing no more than 50 grams, concentrate a great level of detail that bakers achieve with few tools and a lot of skill and craft. Ingredients play with flavor balances and seasonal produce and are an essential part of the tea ceremony.

Four places in Kyoto host this ephemeral exhibit: the prestigious Kodokan Center for Japanese Studies; the spectacular Villa Mitsui Shimogamo, now converted into a museum; the Kyoto Imperial Gardens and the Isetan shopping center. And in the first two spaces, you can also try a selection of traditional sweets with matcha tea.

The good news is that you don’t have to travel to Japan to enjoy this exhibit. It can be visited virtually until November 15.