Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

Hello everyone, hope all is well. I've a minor in fine arts history but our studies were primarily focused on western art, so what little I learned in the east was my own self-study. I'm curious to know about any art related to the common, age-old chopstick. Does this actually have a culture? I'm currently close to Shanghai and learned there's a man here who's been running the only (albeit very small) chopstick museum, but I haven't been able to visit him yet. However, it's the only place like it that I'm currently aware of. Any help on this or related subjects would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

I noticed that some museums are in reality shops, which sell everything displayed.
Keep your eyes open
Ernest

Chopsticks are pretty utilitarian; I don't think they have ever been considered fine art in China. The materials vary from place to place in East Asia: if I remember right usually bamboo/wood or plastic (imitating ivory) in modern China, steel/metal (imitating silver) in Korea, pointed lacquered wood in Japan. Some Japanese sets can be quite lovely. In China there are occasional sets in jade or porcelain too, but these are mainly for restaurant or decorative use I think.

Also, the Japanese produce varied and interesting contemporary chopstick rests that foreigners collect.

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |