Karakudamono

Karakudamono

Karakudamono (Japanese: 唐菓子) is a Japanese term used to collectively describe assorted confections of Chinese origin (also called tōgashi) that were introduced to Japan through the efforts of an envoy to Tang China. These Chinese-style confections were used as offerings at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. During the Heian period the confections become an important feature of the newly established Japanese aristocracy's banquet tables.[1]

Among the earliest recorded karakudamono to reach Japan was a confection of Indian origin called modaka. Known in Chinese as "balls of joy" (huanxituan), its name appears in a Japanese dictionary dating to the early 10th century.[2] This pastry is still sold in Kyoto where it is called seijo̅ kankidan.[2] It is also prepared using traditional methods at Shintō shrines throughout Japan including Kamigamo Jinja in Kyoto, Kasuga Taisha in Nara and Nichieda Jinja in Shiga Prefecture.[3]

Karakudamono are also attested to in The Tale of Genji.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "和菓子の歴史". Kyoto Confectionary Museum. Archived from the original on 4 July 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  2. 1 2 The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. 2015-04-01. p. 82. ISBN 9780199313617.
  3. 1 2 Walker, Harlan (2003). The Fat of the Land: Proceedings of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cooking.


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