Shinri Tezuka

Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin

Sugar sculptor

©Asakusa Amezaiku

The marvellous art of sugar sculpting

Shinri practises the craft of sculpting molten sugar into artistic creations
Since starch syrup dries rapidly, he must model each piece in less than five minutes
The craft of Amezaiku has existed in Tokyo since the 17th century

In Edo era Japan, mizuame starch syrup fuelled the rise of Amezaiku, a unique candy sculpting art. Street performers and merchants showcased the beauty of their creations at festivals, anchoring the artistic legitimacy and legacy of this unique craft. Born in 1989, Shinri Tezuka, self-taught in sugar sculpting, advocates for the fading art of Amezaiku. He founded his workshop, Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, to push the craft's boundaries with innovative shapes and large-scale sculptures for private commissions. Shinri can make large sculptures that are up to 60cm long. He uses colour moderately in order to highlight and harness the beauty of the material's natural transparency. In 2013, he opened a store, Ameshin Asakusa, in Tokyo's central area for traditional culinary related crafts. This is where Shinri is able to showcase his creativity, sell his sugar sculptures, and even hold workshops, all of which help keep the tradition of molten sugar sculpting alive.

Interview

©Asakusa Amezaiku

©Asakusa Amezaiku

What are the characteristics of the Amezaiku craft?: Unlike sculpting, Amezaiku avoids waste. The entire piece is crafted without creating offcuts of the material. The candy sugar is shaped by stretching and making incisions, as though with molten glass. This echoes Edo era frugality, respecting the material so that every bit of precious candy becomes art.
What are some techniques unique to Amezaiku?: While colour has its place, we strive for beauty that shines naturally through the material's transparency. This means preparation of the material is key in order to achieve the crystalline sculptures. Few candies offer such transparency, making our edible art truly unique.
Aside from animal motifs, what other inspirations influence your work?: Nature's unmatched beauty inspires my craft, but especially aquatic animals and water that the candy's transparency is compatible with. I am drawn to the untouched purity of the aquatic world, where human influence is minimal compared to on land.
What is your vision for the future of craftsmanship?: Craft professions are often unpaid in the beginning, although my company offers paid part-time roles. Empowering and nurturing young talent and bringing excitement to the industry is key for attracting and retaining young artisans. This is my vision for a thriving craft ecosystem to support young talent.

Shinri Tezuka is a master artisan: he began his career in 2011 and he started teaching in 2013