Warm Your Hands While Soothing Your Heart: Chinese Handwarmers
Grand Opening of Exhibit at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Sunday, June 29, 2003
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
404 Third Avenue
In contrast to the Western saying, "cold hands, warm heart," the Chinese have believed for centuries that warming the hands can soothe the heart. The newest exhibit of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, studies the history and art of the Chinese handwarmer. Handwarmers have been used in China for centuries: before the time of central heating, portable heaters, called shoulu (literally, handstoves), became popular. These ornately decorated containers resembled spoutless teapots, complete with lid and handle. They were filled with glowing pieces of charcoal that emitted light and heat through openings in the lid. Warmers were usually crafted from copper and copper alloys such as white bronze. Copper was chosen for its strength, lightness, and excellent conductive quality.
The opening ceremony begins at 2:00 pm on June 29.
Cost: Admission is free
Tel: (619) 338 9888
sdchmus@earthlink.net
www.sdchm.org
