How did ancient Chinese keep food warm in winter?
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E-mail Chinadaily.com.cn, November 21, 2016
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File photo shows a bronze "Ran Lu" unearthed from Dayunshan Han dynasty tomb in Xuyi county in Jiangsu province in 2009. [Photo from Internet] |
2. "Ran Lu", ancient small hot pot
The "Ran Lu" is a small size cooking vessel made of bronze, which can be divided into three parts. A charcoal stove forms the main structure, with a bottom tray to hold charcoal ashes, and a moveable cup at the top. Some experts have concluded that the vessel's structure suggests it may have been used as a small hot pot and that these vessels became popular after the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).
3. Bronze You, ancient kettle
The bronze you was one of the most common wine containers during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and it played an important role in rituals. The you can also be used to warm wine. For example, the bronze you with beast mask design, unearthed at the Xingan Dayangzhou Shang dynasty tomb in Jiangxi province, has a slot in its abdomen where charcoals could be placed. Just as people today can't do without an electric kettle, the you allowed people to enjoy a hot drink.
4. Bronze Yan: ancient steamer
Although the "Wen Ding" was effective at keeping food warm, the ancient Chinese people later found that its burning process produced pollution. As a result, the bronze yan was made with a two-tier structure and used to steam rice and other grains. After the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25 - AD220), further improvements to the bronze yan that led to the modern-day steamer.
5. "Wen Wan": ancient thermal insulating container
The cooking vessels mentioned above were usually used by nobles and royal families. Its principle "Wen Wan" or bowl is simple. By using an insulting layer to isolate the food container from the outside cold, it is able to keep food warm. This kind of bowl is called "Wen Wan". When hot water is poured into the interlayer, the bowl can keep food or drinks warm.
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