Chinese spoon

The Chinese spoon, also known as the Chinese soup spoon, is a unique utensil characterized by a short, robust handle that seamlessly extends from a deep, broad bowl. It is indispensable in Chinese cuisine, perfectly suited for enjoying soups or semi-solid dishes. Typically crafted from ceramics, these spoons can also serve as serving spoons or ladles. Compared to Western soup spoons, their higher sides enable them to hold more liquid, making them exceptionally practical.

Chinese spoons boast a rich history, dating back to ancient times. Early iterations were made from materials such as bone or bronze. In fact, they were more common than chopsticks in early Chinese history, especially for eating millet-based dishes. However, as wheat and rice-based foods became increasingly popular—foods that are more easily handled with chopsticks—the spoon's usage declined, particularly by the Song dynasty.

The Chinese spoon's existence was already evident during the Shang dynasty. Over time, its design saw various evolutions, such as the introduction of lacquer spoons during the Han dynasty. These spoons were used for both cooking and eating. Nonetheless, as wheat-based foods like noodles and dumplings gained popularity, chopsticks emerged as the preferred utensil. The advent of early-ripening rice from Vietnam, which clumps together when cooked, further solidified chopsticks as the dominant eating tool.

Interestingly, the Chinese spoon was also employed for purposes beyond eating. For example, early compasses were constructed using spoon-shaped lodestones.