Like Write on Rice did not discover this Art. It has been around a while.
Rice writing is an ancient and delicate art with roots in both ancient Anatolia (present-day Turkey) and India. For thousands of years, rice has been revered across cultures as a sacred symbol of abundance, fertility, and prosperity, commonly used in rituals and ceremonial practices. Drawing upon this symbolism, artisans in ancient Anatolia—already masters of miniature painting—began using grains of rice as their canvas, transforming a simple staple into an object of wonder.
The earliest known example of rice writing is believed to be housed in Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. Legend tells of an extraordinary artist who successfully inscribed 200 letters on a single grain of rice, allegedly using only one strand of hair as a writing instrument—an achievement that continues to inspire awe.
Over time, the practice of gifting messages written on rice became a powerful symbol of good fortune and fertility. It was thought that those who received such gifts would be blessed with luck, wealth, and protection. As the art evolved, inscriptions shifted toward names, meaningful words, and brief messages, each carefully etched onto a single grain.
Artists traditionally select long-grain white rice for its flat, smooth surface, which allows writing on either side. The process demands immense patience, exceptional precision, and a steady hand. Once inscribed, the grain is sealed inside a tiny, transparent container filled with a magnifying fluid—typically oil—to preserve the rice and enhance visibility.
Today, rice writing has found new life as wearable art. Artisans create intricate jewelry pieces, each showcasing the inscribed grain. These pieces are treasured not only for their craftsmanship, but also for their symbolism. Rice is widely associated with wealth and abundance, while spiritually it represents the nurturing generosity of Mother Earth, who provides sustenance for all.
Rice writing gifts are available through our website: LikeWriteonRice@yolasite.com in a wide variety of forms, including necklaces, pendants, earrings, key chains, anklets, chokers, and charm bracelets. Each piece may be further personalized with tiny, meaningful mementos—such as birthstones, miniature flowers, or baby teeth—making every creation uniquely personal.
Handcrafted, rice-encapsulated keepsakes make thoughtful and memorable gifts for loved ones, teachers, colleagues, and friends. Preserved within a suspending fluid, each grain becomes a miniature time capsule or memorial. Affordable yet deeply symbolic, rice writing art is suitable for all occasions, including birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, Christmas, and is especially cherished as wedding favors.
Guiness World Record has been broken
Here are some notable world records related to writing on rice:
Surendra Kumar Apharya from Jaipur, India holds the record for writing 1,749 characters on a
single grain of rice.
Jeevan Lal Sharma set a record by writing the complete Ramcharitmanas on 134,310 rice grains.
These records highlight the intricate art of writing on rice, showcasing both speed and precision.
The World Record for Engraving & Writing on Rice Grain In Jaipur:
The Guinness World Record for writing 1,749 characters on a single grain is held by Surendra Kumar Apharya of Jaipur. In addition, he holds the world record for writing 249 characters on a single strand of human hair. Apharya learned yoga to achieve this type of precision writing, and he can even hold his breath for two minutes. Certainly, a proud moment for all Indians.
Miniature Rice writing is preserved as an ancient Rajasthani art form where holy sayings were written on rice and gifted to nobles. Today, it is people like Surendra Kumar Apharya who are keeping this age-old art form alive.
Miniature Writer- Surendra Kumar Apharya , Image Source : Nazgoz.com