Topic

Art, Culture & Design

A collection of 74 issues

The Ephemeral Art of Yuki-dōfu: Japan's Lost Snow-Forged Tofu

Prized by samurai, yuki-dōfu was a unique Japanese delicacy transformed not by recipe, but by nature. By burying tofu in snow for weeks, a natural freeze-thaw cycle created a light, spongy texture that masterfully absorbed the richest broths.

The Physics of Dancing Water and the Leidenfrost Effect

The Leidenfrost effect explains why water droplets skate across a hot surface. A protective vapor layer insulates the liquid from extreme heat, allowing it to levitate. This principle is more than a kitchen oddity, with applications in nuclear cooling and engine design.

Funazushi and the Pungent, Fermented Origins of Sushi

Before today's raw fish rolls, sushi was a preservation method. Funazushi from Shiga Prefecture is a prime example, pickling carp in salt and fermented rice for years. This creates a pungent, cheese-like delicacy with a sour, umami flavor, offering a direct taste of sushi's funky, fermented origins.

The Endearing Legacy of Sweden's Laughing Lion

In 18th-century Sweden, a taxidermist who had never seen a lion was tasked with preserving one. Working only from its skeleton and stylized heraldic art, he created the Gripsholm Lion—a famously inaccurate and comical creature now cherished as a historical oddity.

Satan in Watercolour The Divine Tragedy of William Blake

Visionary artist William Blake reimagined Satan for John Milton's 'Paradise Lost.' Rejecting the monstrous devil of tradition, Blake painted a figure of sublime, melancholic beauty. His watercolours explore the tragic grandeur of the fallen archangel, challenging simple notions of good and evil.

Tornado Eyebrows and the Art of First Impressions

The Frozen Throne: How Norway Became the Unlikely Pizza Capital of the World

When you think of pizza-loving nations, Italy or the U.S. come to mind. Surprisingly, the country that eats the most pizza per capita is Norway. This is largely fueled by the nation's immense affection for frozen pizza, which is a cultural staple for gatherings, especially on 'Fredagskos'.

The Ghost in the Machine: How TV Shows Maintain a Singular Vision with an Army of Directors

Ever wondered how a TV series maintains its look with different directors? The secret lies not in one person, but a creative hierarchy. The showrunner, DP, and production designer, guided by a detailed 'show bible,' ensure every director's work aligns, creating a seamless viewing experience.

More Than Decoration: The Rugged Mountaineering History of Your Backpack's Diamond Patch

That diamond-shaped patch on your backpack is more than a stylistic flourish; it's a relic of mountaineering history. Known as a 'lash tab' or 'pig snout,' its original purpose was to allow climbers and hikers to lash extra gear like ice axes or rope to the outside of their packs.