China: A Chinese child eating rice with chopsticks, c. 1935

Chopsticks (singular: chopstick) are shaped pairs of equal length sticks used as the traditional eating utensils of various East Asian countries. Chopsticks originated in ancient China, and are traditionally used in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. They can also be found in some areas of Tibet and Mongolia that are close to Han Chinese populations. In Southeast Asia they are used for eating noodles in countries, such as Thailand, with a substantial Overseas Chinese population.

Chopsticks are smoothed and frequently tapered, and are commonly made of bamboo, plastic, wood, or stainless steel. They are less commonly made from porcelain, silver, ivory or jade. Chopsticks are held in the dominant hand, between the thumb and fingers, and used to pick up pieces of food.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Ellen Thorbecke

Credit:

Pictures From History