Sculpting Masterpieces Out of Pure Butter

Butter is not just for toast; it is a historic artistic medium. Since the 1500s, creators have been carving the dairy fat into lifelike animals and people for grand banquet tables and state fairs.

Long before they became an iconic feature of American state fairs, butter carvings were an ancient tradition spanning from Tibet to Roman Britain. These temporary sculptures require temperature-controlled environments to keep the butter from melting while the artist works. While the peak of the craft occurred between 1890 and 1930, the tradition persists today as a whimsical blend of agriculture and fine art. It remains one of the few mediums where you can technically eat the exhibit once the show is over.