Ice Carving Dates Back Two Centuries
by Chef Richard Teeple
The art of carving ice is nothing new. It began with French chefs more than 200 years ago. The first art sculptures were basic designs used as functional holders to keep food cold during service time on elaborate buffets. Russians learned the art from French chefs at the turn of the 18th century.
The first well-documented ice palace was built as a setting for a monstrous joke. On the frozen river Neva, in the winter of 1739, a shivering bride and groom spent their wedding night in a building of ice. The palace was designed by architect Eropkin, conceived by the imperial advisor Volynski, and commissioned by the Empress Ann Ivanovna.
The ice palace was complete with ice cannons that actually fired again and again. The bedroom was complete with a vanity dressed with mirror, table, chairs and a canopy bed, all made of ice.
Empress Anna built the palace to show her jealousy of her old lover, who had run off with a peasant girl. Making them spend their honeymoon in the ice castle was her way of punishing the couple.
Japanese chefs picked up the carving of ice from the French in the last 30 years. Only recently have the Japanese been considered masters of the art form.
In Japan, ice carving is a full-time profession. Sculptors carve wood in the summer and ice in the winter. Only recently have we seen the dying art form return as part of the culinary profession in America.