The Art of Bento Boxes...

I am simply amazed at what can be accomplished by 'other types' of artists, and I don't speak of those in the studio or craft rooms -I speak of the ones in the kitchen...

Inside this adorable little box, holds the artistic intuition and creative spirit of a person driven by the same madness as artists, like myself, but with a whole other palette in which they work from. The boxes (or canvas), can be a simple plastic box with possible cartoons (or anime) printed on them, to an elaborate lacquer box- one that might have multiple compartments. They can be an art form in-and-of-itself.
I love this cute one with cherry blossoms!
Oh... back up, you might say. Bento? What in the world is a bento? Bento is a Japenese "packed meal", usually a lunchtime meal. A Bento box has come a long way as to what foods (or artist's media) are packed in a box. Traditional foods include rice, bite-sized fruits, vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs... Nowadays, you might find chicken nuggets, cheese squares, meatballs, and even leftovers. It's not really "what" you put in though, it's "how" you put it in... And I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. . . ;)






Aren't they just fabulously amazing? And just so visually stimulating? They are so full of color and speak a story all their own. All the work and care that goes into one little piece of art...

What fun! I love the whole idea of Bento Boxes... it sure beats a turkey or PB&J day after day (course, don't get me wrong- I love PB&J!) But I mean, imagine opening up your lunch bag/cooler and pulling out an adorable-looking little box, then opening it up and finding a piece of art, TO EAT!?
-It's after midnight, and I am soooo hungry!

Well, I find these little packed meals so inticing and I've had thoughts of these for my kids lunches this fall... With fresh ingredients of fruits and veggies, rice... it's a healthy treat!
Here's a little site I found that has more background information, etc. It also has an onigiri How-to. (Onigiri are "rice balls" or as in the pictures above, rice piggies or hello kitties...) You'll find it HERE.
Now, go and eat something- fresh and healthy! ;)