World Food Day
Today is #WorldFoodDay, an international day raising awareness about food security and healthy eating.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation, today, only nine plant species account for 66 percent of total crop production despite there having been over 6,000 species cultivated for consumption throughout history. Additionally, wheat, maize and rice provide nearly 50 percent of our global dietary energy supply.
The social importance of food can be observed through many objects in our collections, not least through the vessels used to hold food and drinks throughout history and across cultures. The following vessels come from China and Japan, and might have be used for rituals and ceremonies involving food and drink.
White ware bowl with ring handle, China, Tang Dynasty. Glazed earthenware. See it in Gallery 38.
Ornamental dish from Edo Period Japan. Not currently on display.
Mukōzuke, or side dish used for the Japanese tea ceremony. Mino Kiln sites, Japan, 1570–1620. Stoneware with painting under glaze. See it on display in gallery 37.
Ritual food vessel, China, Shang Dynasty. Cast bronze. See it in Gallery 10.
