Painting Lollipops: Chinese Pulled Sugar Art 以勺為筆,以糖為墨 — 糖畫

English 英: Kate Tong · Chinese 中:Sannie Chung

ART DIRECTION: Deborah Lau-Yu PHOTOGRAPHY: Calvin Lee co-ordinator: rhonda lam
SUGAR PAINTING ARTIST: 洪霽巷 @Muzi Dessert Gallery

 

‘Painting' with sugar is an age-old edible art that never goes out of favour. The artist begins by simmering down brown sugar, granulated sugar and maltose until they turn into liquid. Once the concoction is ready, the artist quickly scoops up the syrup with a metal spoon to begin forming designs on a metal or stone surface. 

The spoon acts much like a paint brush to lift, release, pull up or down, left or right as the artist twists and turns the sugar into glorious designs. Some of the most delightful results include Chinese zodiac animals, flowers, birds, flowers and even superheroes. The results are often far to beautiful too eat, yet way too delicious to resist!

糖畫,中國傳統民間技藝,它亦糖亦畫,可觀可食。以紅糖、白糖、麥芽糖為原材料,在溫火上熬煮至牽絲,於石板上做畫。做糖畫是沒有底稿的,畫稿構圖通通儲存於糖畫師的腦海。做糖畫必須眼明手快、胸有成竹,糖還溫熱時要一氣呵成完成放、提、拉、收四個步驟,拉畫出栩栩如生的十二生肖、花鳥魚獸、英雄人物、吉祥字畫等,有如精緻藝術品,亦被視為美味可口的中國非物質文化遺產。

THe beauty of pulled sugar

 

MEANINGS BEHIND THE DESIGNS

In Chinese tradition, the butterfly is also a symbol of life and resurrection.

昔者莊周夢為蝴蝶,栩栩然蝴蝶也。

Animated Goat from the 12 Zodiac Signs

十二生肖•羊

Animated Dragon from the 12 Zodiac Signs

十二生肖• 龍

Peach fruit symbolize Longevity

蟠桃獻壽

 

SPonsored by FERRIS WHEEL PRESS

 

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