This sculpture of a fish is shockingly realistic, and it’s also edible! Japanese candy artist Shinri Tezuka (shin-ree teh-zhoo-kah) uses an ancient technique to create intricate lollipops like this one. First, he boils sugar syrup and starch until it becomes clear and dough-like. When it is hot and flexible enough, Tezuka rolls the candy onto a stick. Then the real sculpting beings. The artist uses tiny scissors and brushes to quickly carve detailed fish, birds, and other creatures. When the candy cools and hardens, Tezuka paints it using brightly colored, edible dyes. 

This art form is centuries old. Called amezaiku (ah-meh-zeye-koo), the sweet sculptures were originally given as religious offerings at Japanese temples. The craft gained a following in other countries, but only a few amezaiku artists are working today. Tezuka helps keep the art form alive in Japan by teaching others in his candy shop how to make their own creative confections.