Chopsticks

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.

Q. Edward Wang is Professor of History and Co-ordinator of Asian

Studies at Rowan University and Changjiang Professor of History at

Peking University, China.