#Japan #Okayama #Japanese Sweets #NOT WAGASHI #Crystal Butter

Discover the Allure of Not Wagashi's New Confectionery

The historical Silk Road continues to inspire modern culinary creations, and the renowned National Department Store Co. is back with a unique offering. Today, they unveil their latest treat: the "Raspberry Crystal Butter Sandwich" under the "Not Wagashi" label. This delicacy imagines the kind of treasures that could have adorned the ancient Shosoin repository.

A Glimpse into Culinary History

The new product line features two exquisite designs: the round "Rinka" and the oval-shaped "Hokyo". These treats are not merely desserts; they are culinary tributes to the history and artistry of Japan. Inspired by the idea that there may have once been treasures adorned with rose motifs in the Shosoin, these creations aim to bridge the gap between reality and imagination, transforming historical references into an edible art form.

In a previous series, "Ruribai," real artifacts from the Shosoin were reimagined into edible forms, rooted in tangible history. However, this time, the "Raspberry Crystal Butter Sandwich" does not draw from a specific existing item in the Shosoin. Instead, it reflects a creative leap imagining a treasure that could have travelled along the Silk Road, merging contemporary confectionery techniques with historical storytelling.

The Artistic Crafting of Edible Treasures

Both designs of this new product capture the delicate beauty of rose motifs, employing transparent amber jelly elegantly layered with raspberry sauce and creamy butter mixtures.

Rinka: The Round Beauty

The round "Rinka" showcases intricate carvings of roses and diamond patterns. Over a base of shimmering amber jelly, the raspberry sauce, butter cream, and traditional mochi blend together. The texture—smooth, tangy, and chewy—offers a unique tasting experience that evokes the enchanting aura of the treasures it represents.

Hokyo: The Oval Elegance

The oval "Hokyo" carries the charm of antique mirrors, intricately adorned inside with motifs of roses and diamonds. Without the use of traditional mochi, it allows the layers of amber jelly, raspberry sauce, and butter cream to take the spotlight. As light passes through, the charming red raspberry layer floats alongside the delicate white roses, creating a visual masterpiece that’s as enchanting as it is delicious.

Vision Behind Crystal Confectionery

The use of amber jelly in these treats is a nod to the numerous glass artifacts that have found their way to Japan through the Cultural Exchange facilitated by the Silk Road. The rose-patterned treasures could very well have been glass marvels that traversed continents. This thought invigorated the creative process, pushing boundaries to incorporate transparency and depth of light into an edible creation, reflecting the charm of glasswork through a delicious lens.

Product Details

Brand: Not Wagashi
Product Line: Imagined Shosoin Treasures
Product Name: Raspberry Crystal Butter Sandwich
Contents: Individual pieces available
Pricing: Rinka for ¥500, Hokyo for ¥480 (tax included)
Dimensions: Rinka measures 40mm in diameter and is 22mm in height while Hokyo is 40mm by 30mm and also 22mm tall.
Storage: Freeze for preservation
Shipping Temperature: Frozen
Shelf Life: 21 days if unopened and frozen
Sales Website: Official Store

About National Department Store Co.

Headquartered in Okayama City, this company specializes in the planning, manufacturing, and sales of both Japanese and Western-style sweets. For more information, visit their website.

Final Thoughts

With each bite of these captivating crystal butter sandwiches, one can embark on a personal journey along the Silk Road, where past meets present in the form of exquisite flavor. Not Wagashi continues to enchant dessert lovers with its imaginative approach, proving that art can indeed be edible.