Mochibana is a traditional New Years decoration in Japan made of colored mochi on a willow branch to simulate plums blossoms. Traditionally food was a central design element of decorations.
Break the Mold Japanese Lacquer: Japanese New Year's cuisine, Osechi Ryori comes in a lacquered box, for centuries invariably black or brown. This meal is shared with Shinto Gods, so Iron Chef defeater Yoshimi Tanigawa made his white.
