Special Treats - Japanese Style

Tea ceremony is a very old Japanese tradition.  It is full of beauty in many ways.

The utensils are simple.

Some kind of sweet is served with the green tea as a treat for the eye and the tastebuds.

The presentation is very important.

They are called "wagashi" and the variety is endless.

They are almost too pretty to eat.

The subject matter can be almost anything.  Wait, is that a peach or..... your BUTT?

The detail is exquisite.

The bamboo pick is for eating the sweet, not picking your teeth.

Notice the black sesame seed used for the chick's eye.

This is a special one of a fishing basket with a fish made for Father's day.

This pick looks a little like a sword.  Rabbit sacrifice, perhaps?

These sweets often come beautifully packed for gift giving.

Since this type of dry ones tend to keep well I wonder if they are ever "re-gifted"?

A Japanese version of a Whitman's sampler.

Very special ones to be served at Right to Life teas.

These are a much less formal type of treat.  They have sweet bean paste inside them.

The ones shaped like a chick are very famous.  They are called "hiyoko".  You can even buy soap shaped like them but it doesn't taste as good.

He is trying to look endearing so you do not bite his head off or stab him with a bamboo pick.

Even dogs enjoy these treats when they have the chance.  Notice the tatami mat below the plate.

But I am home sick in bed today so it looks like this is the kind of tea ceremony I will be having.