The gift consists of decorative pumpkins and native seeds and Mina Petra explained that the idea for the pumpkins as a gift dated back to three years ago when the Japanese prince and princess visited Croatia. They were delighted with the ethno collection in the store, its presentations and workshops on hand woven material, lace tatting and traditional basket making. Prince Akishino, who has a PhD in biology, was particularly interested in the decorated pumpkins from Slavonia, their cultivation and decoration.
That led to the idea that as a memento of that visit and sign of respect, we should send them a collection of decorated pumpkins that were created especially for this occasion by young artist Vinko Babic from the village of Gradiste near Zupanja in eastern Croatia, Mina Petra explained.
Babic presented the Japanese ambassador with the gift for the Japanese prince, saying that the gift included pumpkin seeds which Prince Akishino could plant and cultivate in the palace garden.
Ambassador Ide's term in Croatia is ending in the next few days.
Pumpkin decorating is a traditional art in Slavonia and Gradiste has produced the greatest masters of this valuable tradition. The pumpkins are dried, carved, painted and then coated with roasted walnuts, which dyes the carvings. They are then polished with bacon to give them a final shine.
Apart from their attractive appearance, they can be used as utensils for liquids or as salt and pepper shakers.