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Description: Metal Chinese tea samovar consisting of base, reservoir with tap, and lid; 3 Chinese characters placed vertically on reservoir; metal handles on base and on side of reservoir.

Object History: Samovar from the Kwong Chai Tong Herbalist shop, located at 122 East Pender Street in Vancouver's Chinatown. The business was founded in ca. 1915 by Lim Butt. The business was later ran by his son, Lim Bong. The samovar was situated on the counter of the shop, filled with an herbal brew which customers could pour off and drink for a small sum of money. The top portion is the resevoir for the Herbal tea. The lower portion is where the fire was in order to keep the tea warm. Vessel was used to store herbal tea which was offered to visitors for maintaining the balance of their body. Shen Nong is a deity in Chinese religion, a mythical sage ruler of prehistoric China; he has been thought to have taught the ancient Chinese not only their practices of agriculture, but also use of herbal drugs. “Shennong” can also be taken to refer to his people, the Shennong-shi (Shennong Clan). According to legend, tea was first discovered by Shennong over two thousand years ago. It is written in Classic of Tea that, "The tea drinking tradition began with Shen Nong and actively developed by the Duke of Zhou." Tea was used in ancient China. It is said that Shen Nong, the God of Medicine who tasted all herbs was poisoned by 72 different plants everyday. He relied on tea to neutralise the toxins. As for how he discovered this plant which can treat all sorts of ailments, there are many different versions.

Marks/Labels: Label contains 3 Chinese characters that are translate to: Shen Nong Cha (the God of Medicine’s tea). Product is a medicinal tea brand name which uses more than 10 types of herbs to make the tea. Consumed to relieve symptoms of a cold. Often consumed during the summer months to help someone stay cool.

Subjects: Science and Technology Tools and Equipment; Persons - Chinese Canadians