If you’ve ever asked which came first, the chicken or the egg, you’re not alone. Plaguing biologists and philosophers equally for centuries, the question appears to finally be solved. Well, sort of. Thierry Atlan, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier, has created his dreamiest confection, a chocolatey, aquatic paradise that's nearly life-size. “We wanted to create something magical for children," explains Atlan. "Get them excited for Easter by creating a chocolate sculpture that would appeal to them." Suffice it to say, Atlan's $10,000, handmade, hand-painted ocean themed egg fits the bill.
Made entirely of chocolate, the over three-foot-tall egg utilizes a moving platform bringing it to life. It's technology that Atlan pioneered more than two decades ago at the Lenôtre Culinary Arts School in France, but with more compelling visuals. “We wanted to tell a story through the egg,” says Atlan. “So the first step is always to ask ourselves, which story can we tell and how can people visually understand?”
Atlan and his team focused on palette and eye-catching details. “Children are attracted to colors and movement, [and] the platform inside the egg gives the illusion that the fish are moving like in an aquarium.” Each scale, fin, and disc are intricately designed to work together in visual harmony. "It gives life to the sculpture.”
But don't let the five-digit price tag stop you. If the life-size egg is a bit too costly (proceeds from the sale benefit the New York Women's Foundation), Atlan and his team have created smaller treats including hand-painted chocolate fish, to create your own gastronomic sea world. And for those wanting to get a front-row view of the larger-than-life piece, pop by Atlan's Soho boutique through Easter to take an egg-celent selfie.
Hero image: Courtesy of Thierry Atlan
All photos courtesy of Thierry Atlan
