Chopsticks holders were traditionally part of a dowry and symbolizes the hope for newlyweds to have (male) children as the word for chopsticks (kuai zi 筷子) is a Chinese pun for ‘speedy arrival of sons.” Stoneware holders included the phrase baizi qiansun for “100 sons and 1000 grandsons” as well as an upside-down bat, a coin and a ribbon, a rebus for “blessings have arrived” as well as 2 birds symbolizing conjugal fidelity and a cloud and thunder decorative pattern, a symbol of life-giving rain and abundance. Chopstick holders were made in Shiwan, an area of kilns producing decorative and utilitarian ceramics.
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Shiwan 2 part chopsticks holder with top holes for hanging and bottom ones for drainage. Chopsticks were wedding gifts from mothers to daughters with auspicious wishes: sons as soon as possible, blessing for prosperity, happiness and fertility, life-giving rain and abundance.
Chopsticks are ubiquitous in Chinese culture, and are often included in a bride’s dowry as a wish for a speedy arrival of many sons. This Shiwan ware green glazed wall pocket chopsticks holder has characters wishing for many sons and grandsons and an upside down bat holding a coin for “blessings in front of your eyes.”
Decorative utilitarian Shiwanware pieces are recognized for their fine modeling, vivid expression, and colorful apple-green and drip glazes. Chopsticks were commonly stored in wall pockets with a hole for mounting. Covered with auspicious symbols, they were often part of a bride’s dowry as “chopsticks” is a pun for “speedy arrival of sons.”
Wall pockets are used to hold chopsticks and flowers to bring good fortune. This Shiwan pocket has frog and a lotus that together symbolize nurturing energy and transformation. Great cozy accessory for feng shui and a wonderful wedding gift.
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