How ancient Chinese stayed cosy using gadgets found in classical literature, historic artwork
A TCM practitioner says warming baskets dispel body dampness and unblock meridians, especially when infused with herbs
In ancient China, without electricity, how did people stay cosy at home during freezing winters? The answer lies in warming baskets, which have been used for more than 2,000 years.
A traditional warming basket featured a charcoal brazier beneath a bamboo cover. One of the earliest written references to the device dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC–220).
At first, the basket served as a stove to keep a room warm. Later, people added incense to the brazier and placed a basin of water beneath the basket. This allowed it to double as a garment steamer, drying clothes while infusing them with fragrance.
