Save
If you've ever chewed on an olive pit by mistake you know how hard those little suckers can be. That's why this intricate carving made from an olive pit is truly an accomplishment, especially given the fact it dates back to 1737.
That's when Chinese artist Ch’en Tsu-chang crafted this tiny masterpiece which is 16 millimeters tall and 34 millimeters wide ( about .6 inches tall and 1.3 inches wide). The pit depicts a miniature boat with exquisitely carved doors, ornate rooftop and eight figures, each with its own individual facial expression.
Tsu-chang's gorgeous carving was inspired by Su Shih's poem ''Latter Ode on the Red Cliff,'' according to the National Palace Museum of China. The poem describes a boat ride Shih enjoyed with his friends under the moonlight sky.
The most fascinating part of his artwork is that the entire text of the poem, which includes more than 300 characters, was artfully carved on the bottom of the vessel. Talk about inspiring food art!
Via My Modern Met
