PRODFeature
16 Pieces Of Asian Food-Inspired Art and Decor To Buy Right Now
Can we interest you in a bok choy pin?
If you were to make a list of Senior Art Director Emily Ng’s interests, you’d probably have to include Marty (her dog) and her home state of Texas - but right at the top would be two very important things: food and design. Those interests converged when she spearheaded the launch of our art-and-food-centric zine, IYKYK (the first issue, about cha chaan teng, is out now), and here they’re on display once again. Need a porcelain dumpling? Or a jug shaped like Chinese cabbage? How about a minimalist dosa-inspired abstract print? Of course you do. This guide to Asian food-inspired art and decor has all that and more. Scroll down for Emily’s top picks.
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The No-Brainer Candle
“I saw this candle at the Brooklyn shop/restaurant Hunky Depot the other day and immediately picked it up. I didn’t know how much it was ($36, well worth it), but I also really didn’t care. There are few things that are an automatic buy for me, and youtiao candles are apparently one of them.”
Museum-Worthy Food Prints
“If you love food but don’t want to hang images of food on your walls (because that feels too on the nose), these abstract art prints from Etsy seller bobajellyart are perfect. They cover everything from pancit to dosas.”
Get some abstract Asian food prints ($25-75) →
Mood-Boosting Wall Art
“All of Subin Yang’s art feels like a warm hug on a sunshiney day. Don’t you want your home to feel that way all the time? I do.”
Get Subin Yang’s “Kimchi” print ($25-40) →
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A Ceramic That Looks Edible
“I love everything Stephanie H. Shih makes - but unless you’re interested in commissioning a custom ceramic, getting one of her porcelain dumplings is the next best (and most affordable) option.”
Get a porcelain dumpling ($108) →
A Print to Show Support
“The ultimate way for Asian parents to show love and affection is by handing you a plate of prepared fruit. And, right now, you can also show your love and support of the AAPI community with this print. 70% of the proceeds go to Stop AAPI Hate, helping victims of anti-Asian hate crimes.”
Get a Sliced Fruit Against Asian Hate print ($18) →
Your Durian Accent Piece
“I’m not actually a huge durian fan, although it definitely brings a certain level of nostalgia. In any case, I am a fan of this glittery STANKY durian sticker. Pro-tip, if you’re a sticker hoarder like me and have nowhere to put them, turn them into magnets using magnetic adhesive sheets and scissors!”
Get STANKY durian sticker ($5) →
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The Statement Jug
“So cabbage. So chic.”
Get a Stoneware Chinese Cabbage Jug ($70) →
Hunger-Inducing Embroidery
“If you’re feelin’ more of a statement piece that isn’t an art print, check out this hand-embroidered ramen.”
Get this ramen bowl embroidery ($90) →
Wall-Mounted Memories
“This one is for the NYC folks. With Warm Welcome and Max Kho collaborated on an art series depicting some of my favorite Asian restaurants in the city like SomTum Der and Málà Project.”
Get a WWW x Max Kho print ($30) →
An Iconic Food Scene
“There’s no way to have a list of art inspired by Asian foods and not include Studio Ghibli. Anime food just looks like it tastes better, and one of my favorite scenes of all time is No Face gorging on food at the bathhouse.”
Get a No Face Ramen print ($18-57) →
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A Peach Soju-Inspired Scent
“Reminisce about the good ole days of cramming 10 people into a tiny room with a disco ball to belt out your best rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” while knocking over a bottle of peach soju.”
A Work of Art About a Work of Art
“A can of Royal Milk Tea is a piece of art in and of itself. I’ve bought it at the grocery store just because I thought it was pretty, so, naturally, it makes for some nice wall decor.”
Get a Royal Milk Tea print ($18-50) →
Some Wearable Greens
“One of the first pins in my collection. If your love for bok choy isn’t quite that strong, there are also green onion, dragonfruit, and mandarin orange options.”
A Very Juicy Painting
“A lovely watercolor of one of my favorite fruits, which are usually handed to me, chopped up on a plate by my mom as I watch TV on the couch. Persimmons always remind me of home, and their vibrant hue makes for a beautiful pop of color on any wall.”
Get a Persimmons Watercolor digital download ($5) →
An Objectively Cute Light
“I’m not an uwu (which is an emoticon that denotes cute happiness, according to TikTok) person. But I want to pinch the cheek of this dumpling light.”
Get a Dumpling Steamer light ($22) →
The Modern Throwback
“When done well, I love a classic-meets-modern mashup. And Hokusai’s famous painting The Wave plus ramen is chefs kiss.”