Chopsticks originated in ancient China as early as the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE). To this day, China's chopstick history streches back at least 3,000 years. Chopsticks seem quite simple consisting of only two small and thin sticks, but they are in possession of many functions, such as picking, moving, nipping, mixing and digging. Additionally, it is convenient for use and cheap in price. Chopsticks are a unique form of tableware. Anyone using chopsticks, no matter Chinese or foreign, would without exception admire the inventor of the chopsticks.
Due to their lightness and convenience, chopsticks were introduced to our neighboring countries, such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, more than one thousand years ago. After the Ming and Qing Dynasties, chopsticks were introduced to Malaysia, Singapore and etc.. The appearance of chopsticks is not only a revolution of Chinese culinary culture, but also a symbol of human civilization.
Many rules of etiquette govern the proper conduct of chopstick uses. Held between the thumb and fingers of one hand, chopsticks are used like tongs to pick up portions of food which are prepared and brought to the table in small and convenient pieces. They are thought of as an extension of one's fingers. Chopsticks may also be used (except in Korea) as means for sweeping rice and other extra tiny morsels into the mouth directly from the bowl.
Chopsticks are traditionally held in the right hand, even by some left-handed people. Although chopsticks may now be found in either hand, a few still consider left-handed chopstick use as improper etiquette. This practice prevents a left-handed chopstick user from accidentally elbowing a right-handed user when seated closely together.
The chopsticks most frequently used by people are bamboo chopsticks. The purple bamboo chopsticks and Xiangfei bamboo chopsticks are also the rare varieties which are hard to find these days. The Nanzhu chopsticks of Hunan can stand vertically in the clear water without falling and are known as magic chopsticks. The West Lake Tianzhu chopsticks of Hangzhou also turn out to be a special local product in this scenic spot. In addition, the silver chopsticks have the function of sterilizing, for scientists find that the sliver ions can sterilize most of the bacteria. Delicately made silver chopsticks are very popular up to now, but people have regarded them as a form of craft work. Gold chopsticks with a high price are the symbol of royalty and noble luxury. Moreover, in China, there are also chopsticks made of ivory, cattle, camel and deer bone as well as tortoise shell. Some clever craftsmen even skillfully connect the tooth bones and make them into craft works. A kind of jade chopsticks are also the precious ones and golden chopsticks with jade used by Empress Dowager Cixi are on display in the Precious Treasures Museum of the Imperial Palace.
Today, chopsticks are not only a kind of tableware, but also a unique cultural form, representing a kind of civilization, appearing as a work of art for research, use, appreciation and collection.
