Daniel Chyi 戚钊

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Chinese Tradition

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Chinese traditional chopsticks (传统筷) are far more than just eating utensils — they’re a living symbol of cultural grace, craftsmanship, and culinary ritual. In New Zealand, as Asian cuisine continues to soar in popularity, more Kiwis are reaching for authentic, artisan-made chopsticks as part of a broader appreciation for East Asian culture and mindful dining.

These handcrafted chopsticks — often made of bamboo, rosewood, boxwood, or lacquered hardwood — tell stories of dynasty-era etiquette, family customs, and sustainable material use. With Aotearoa’s growing Asian diaspora and interest in slow food, traditional chopsticks are now being embraced in homes, restaurants, and design spaces across the country.

From Wellington’s night markets to Auckland’s boutique kitchenware stores, traditional Chinese chopsticks are being sold not only as practical tools but as art objects and cultural gifts. They’re also becoming part of fusion dining experiences, Asian cooking classes, and even ceremonial practices like weddings or Lunar New Year celebrations.

This cultural crossover is helping New Zealanders reconnect with the values of intention, elegance, and heritage at the dinner table. Whether it’s using chopsticks to elevate a homemade dumpling feast or gifting them as a sign of respect, these humble tools are quietly reshaping how we eat — and how we connect across cultures.

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#chopsticksnz #chineseculturenz #traditionalchopsticks #asiandiningnz #nzasianculture #sustainableutensilsnz #culturalkitchenwarenz #slowdiningnz #eastmeetswestnz #lunarnewyearnz

Chinese Tradition

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Ejiao (阿胶) — a traditional Chinese medicinal product made from donkey-hide gelatin — has been revered for centuries across Asia for its purported ability to boost energy, nourish blood, and promote overall vitality, especially among women. Now, this ancient tonic is starting to gain traction in New Zealand’s wellness and natural health circles, particularly among those interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alternative therapies, and holistic living.

In Aotearoa, where the demand for natural supplements and Eastern wellness philosophies continues to grow, Ejiao is increasingly found in TCM clinics, Asian herbal shops, and even among curious Kiwi consumers exploring herbal tonics for energy, hormonal balance, or skin rejuvenation.

While Ejiao is traditionally consumed as a tonic jelly, boiled with rice wine and herbs, it is now also available in modern capsule or powder form, offering flexibility for New Zealanders new to the practice. Some Kiwi naturopaths and integrative doctors are beginning to explore how traditional remedies like Ejiao could complement local herbal approaches, especially for menstrual health, postpartum recovery, and anti-aging support.

However, it's important to note that ethical sourcing and sustainability remain important topics in New Zealand’s natural health landscape. Discussions around animal welfare, conservation, and plant-based alternatives are ongoing as Kiwis weigh the benefits of ancient remedies against modern values.

If you're exploring Chinese medicine in Aotearoa, Ejiao represents a fascinating — and controversial — intersection of history, health, and ethical complexity.

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Chinese Tradition

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The Chinese writing brush (毛笔) is more than just a tool — it’s a symbol of cultural refinement, artistic discipline, and philosophical balance. With over 2,000 years of history, the 毛笔 has been used to craft poetry, philosophy, and visual masterpieces in the flowing art of Chinese calligraphy.

In New Zealand, there’s a growing appreciation for East Asian arts and crafts, and the 毛笔 is becoming a favourite among Kiwi artists, calligraphy students, educators, and cultural enthusiasts. From Auckland’s Chinese cultural centres to art schools in Wellington and Dunedin, traditional brush techniques are being taught, exhibited, and practiced as part of a broader exploration of identity, mindfulness, and intercultural creativity.

The 毛笔 is valued not only for its historical importance but also for the meditative and expressive qualities it brings to writing and painting. Many New Zealanders are discovering how using a brush — instead of a pen — connects them to a slower, more intentional creative process, often associated with Zen thinking, Tai Chi philosophy, and mindful learning.

Calligraphy and brush painting are also featured in Lunar New Year festivals, Asian heritage weeks, and bilingual education initiatives around Aotearoa, where the brush becomes a bridge between cultures. Whether you're a seasoned ink artist or a curious beginner, learning the art of the Chinese writing brush in New Zealand can be both a deeply personal and culturally rich experience.

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Daniel Chyi 戚钊

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Chinese Tradition

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The horse bench (马儿板凳) — a small, handcrafted wooden bench shaped like a miniature horse — is a charming staple of traditional Chinese furniture. Once common in rural households across China, these benches were used by children, elders, or even in farming communities for resting, working, or socialising. Now, this humble piece of heritage furniture is finding new relevance in New Zealand's interior design and antique appreciation communities.

In Aotearoa, where craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural fusion are highly valued, the 马儿板凳 is increasingly viewed as a functional art piece. Whether placed in a minimalist Wellington loft, a rustic Queenstown cabin, or as a conversation starter in a boutique Auckland design store, the bench bridges cultures and eras with its simple elegance and cultural storytelling.

New Zealand collectors, stylists, and even early childhood educators are showing interest in such heirloom objects that reflect slower living, storytelling through design, and multicultural appreciation. With New Zealand’s growing connections to Asian cultures through migration, education, and travel, the horse bench is part of a broader movement toward decor that’s meaningful, handmade, and rooted in tradition.

As Kiwis increasingly seek unique furniture pieces that carry depth and cultural legacy, the 马儿板凳 is no longer just a bench — it's a symbol of cross-cultural respect, historic preservation, and timeless design sensibility.

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#horsebenchnz #traditionalfurniturenz #chinesecraftnz #sustainabledesignnz #culturaldecornz #chineseheritagenz #handmadefurniturenz #interiordesignnz #eastmeetswestnz #timelesscraftnz