 "The Ameya" was created by Blum during the later period of his stay in Japan.The work depicts an ameya, a candy maker practicing the art of Amezaiku; Blum himself described the ameya's work as being akin to glassblowing.Following his return to the United States, Blum's work was well received, particularly at the 1893 exhibition of the National Academy of Design—Blum later credited "The Ameya" with securing his election to the Academy.