Beauty of the Bento

Just was forwarded this piece on Bento Boxes - definitely check it out - here's the snippet

An article in The Times last month described a growing number of Americans inspired to take time to make beautiful box lunches, Japanese bento-style. The bento meal, often served in elaborate boxes with foods chosen for their colors and shapes, goes back to at least the 14th century. In recent years, national contests have been held in kyaraben, the craft of making imaginative food displays in boxes typically the size of a book.

What does the care devoted to the visual details in a packed lunch suggest about the culture? Why is such value placed on aesthetics in everyday life in Japan?

• John Maeda, Rhode Island School of Design
• Kenya Hara, art director of MUJI
• Nick Currie, artist and author
• Denis Dutton, professor of philosophy of art

Read the Full Article Here

Thanks McKenzie