Chopstick Container
Item number Edz1031 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Public
RRN ID
Item Records
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
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 Such containers made of ceramic are now rarely seen, having been replaced by those made of plastic.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
- Name
- Chopstick Container
- Identification Number
- Edz1031
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- clay and glaze
- Overall
- height 7.5 in, width 5.3 in, depth 2.8 in
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Macau
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)
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
Ask a question
Let the RRN community answer your questions
Public
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Shared Knowledge
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
Public
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account
Similar Items
