We had the honor of shooting the “COSMOS: Five Elements” held at Morimoto in Napa recently, where the art of Japanese cuisine, calligraphy and confectionery were transformed into unique visual and edible art forms.

The event featured the food of Chef Ichiro Tsuji, along with the live works of Japanese calligraphy artist, Aoi Yamaguchi, and Japanese traditional confectionary “wagashi” artist, Shiho Sakamoto.

Inspired by the concept of Ying-and-Yang Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water (Mok-Ka-Doe-Gon-Sui), Yamaguchi painted contemporary Japanese calligraphy on Japanese handmade “washi” paper, on which pieces of wagashi, created by Sakamoto, were tastefully placed to complete the the world of each Element. Grounded by Japanese traditional aesthetics and culture of “wabi-sabi”, the three talented artists realized their visions through each and own realms of senses, together creating a unique experience to celebrate blessings from nature.