You wouldn’t ask why a grownup would grow Bonsai trees or place boats in bottles, would you? Well then, why question why a grownup, like me, would collect miniature (itsy-bitsy) food?
Well one answer is that miniatures have a certain sublime exquisiosity. And another is that the Japanese, famous for making the world’s best fake food, have mastered the art of plastic miniaturization of everything from modern tables and chairs (see photos) to kitchenware to sushi sets to chopsticks.
Various toy companies are responsible, but my favorite is Re-Ment, producer of the Puchi Petite Collections, which comes with the warning “This is not food!”
I am indeed a satisfied customer – perhaps even an addict. I simply can’t get enough (see illustrations below).
(Nightly Daily Heller: Comics Express. Sign on to help the children of Joplin, MO.)
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About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →