Chopstick Container Item Number: Edz1031 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark green glazed container with flat bottom and back; other three sides form a rounded rectangle. Decoration on front side is a punctured flower. Three small holes are punched in the bottom and one large hole is through the centre of the back.
History Of Use
Such chopstick containers were fastened to an interior wall to hold the family’s chopsticks. The holes on the underside would allow water from washing them to drain. Such containers made of ceramic are now rarely seen, having been replaced by those made of plastic.
Cultural Context
domestic
Narrative
Purchased in a shop in Macau. Mrs.Yau Chan Shek-ying was very generous in providing assistance in the development of this field collection. She introduced Elizabeth Johnson to her relatives and neighbours in Tsuen Wan and Shatin whom she knew would likely have objects that had gone out of use that they would be willing to donate. In the case of this container, she said that her family had one similar when she was a child (c. 1925), but that it was broken when she was about 6 years old and replaced with one made of bamboo.
Iconographic Meaning
The coin shape on the front of the container is auspicious, a symbol of wealth.
Item History
- Made in Macau
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson during 1979
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before March 17, 1980
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 17, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Field Collector
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Macau
When
- Collection Date
- during 1979
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0610/0001