Abstract Butter: A Japanese Artist's Playful Renderings

With humble slices of toast as his canvas, Japanese artist Shoko Masunaga gives an artistic spin to one's basic breakfast, not to mention the phrase "bread and butter." Using natural colorings and edible ingredients, Masunaga renders butter into abstract shapes and imagery to create colorful little tableaus—à la tartine.

For most of us who can't catch Masunaga's upcoming four-day show at Tokyo's Nidi Gallery this month, check out some of what's on view below.