Chinese Wok, c. 1800s
Chinese Wok, c. 1800s
- Description
- Many Chinese men travelled to the United States and became gold miners following the discovery of gold in California in 1849. Woks such as this one were made in China, but brought to California in the 1800s and used by Chinese immigrants. As the mass influx of travelers arrived from a variety of regions and economic backgrounds, places such as restaurants, hotels, and inns were built to accommodate and feed the growing California population. Over time, however, the majority of food in California had to be imported and became notoriously expensive. In only a few months, the cost of food tripled. Oftentimes, many miners arrived with only the clothes on their backs. With newcomers lacking many basic supplies, merchants were at a major advantage and would charge outrageously high prices for their goods.
- Date made
- late 19th-early 20th
- place made
- United States: California
- Measurements
- overall: 17 3/4 in x 20 1/8 in; 45.085 cm x 51.1175 cm
- ID Number
- CL.64.1005
- accession number
- 253798
- catalog number
- 64.1005
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Ethnic
- Many Voices, One Nation
- Exhibition
- Many Voices, One Nation
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
