Chopsticks
Douban
A Cultural and Culinary History
Professor Q. Edward Wang
résumé
Chopsticks have become a quintessential part of the Chinese, Japanese,
Korean and Vietnamese culinary experience across the globe, with more
than one fifth of the world’s population using them daily to eat. In this
vibrant, highly original account of the history of chopsticks, Q. Edward
Wang charts their evolution from a simple eating implement in ancient
times to their status as a much more complex, cultural symbol today.
Opening in the Neolithic Age, at the first recorded use of chopsticks,
the book surveys their use through Chinese history, before exploring
their transmission in the fifth century to other parts of Asia, including
Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Mongolia. Calling upon a striking selection
of artwork, the author illustrates how chopstick use has influenced Asian
cuisine, and how, in turn, the cuisine continues to influence chopstick
use, both in Asia and across the globe.
contents
Acknowledgments page ix
List of plates xiii
Timeline xvii
Map of East Asia xix
1 Introduction 1
2 Why chopsticks? Their origin and original function 16
3 Dish, rice or noodle? The changing use of chopsticks 41
4 Forming a chopsticks cultural sphere: Vietnam, Japan, Korea
and beyond 67
5 Using chopsticks: customs, manners and etiquette 93
6 A pair inseparable: chopsticks as gift, metaphor and symbol 120
7 “Bridging” food cultures in the world 144
Conclusion 166
Glossary 171
Bibliography 176
Index 185
