What is an "iron"
An iron is a tool for hot ironing of wrinkled clothes and fabrics.
In modern times, an iron is a common household appliance used to iron clothes. Nowadays, there are many types of irons depending on the design.
In ancient times, however, irons were originally made of stone, pottery, copper, and iron sheets, heated over fire, and then pressed against clothing to flatten them.
Origin of the name "iron"
There are two interpretations of the origin of the name "iron" in Old Chinese. One is to take the meaning of the Big Dipper, and the other is that the shape of the iron is very similar to the ancient cookware "bucket". According to research, iron in ancient China was invented earlier than the Western electric iron in 1880, and it was the first country in the world to invent and use iron.
The development of hardcore
Shang Dynasty
The earliest prototypes of iron tools appeared in the Shang Dynasty, when they were used as torture devices, specifically used to burn the skin of prisoners. Until the end of the Qin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han Dynasty, its function was formed on ironing clothes and has been passed down to this day.
Iron artifacts that appeared during the Western Han Dynasty. The iron tools of the Han Dynasty were mostly made of bronze, with a round belly and a wide mouth rim. There are long handles, some decorated with dragon patterns. Before ironing, put burning charcoal into an iron that uses the heat and weight of the metal to iron wrinkles or beautiful wrinkles.
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties of the Wei and Jin Dynasties
During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, irons flourished. The Ten Sayings of the Heart records the story of mother and son using an iron together. It is also equipped with an iron, which shows that the iron has become a basic household appliance at this time.
Sui and Tang Dynasties
The Tang Dynasty was a very popular period for ironing in China. Because the silk weaving industry was very developed at that time and the people were rich, people had more leisure time to pay attention to dressing. Therefore, from monarchs to commoners, ironing clothes with irons is quite common.
The picture below is the clothes ironed by women in the Tang Dynasty. From this painting, we can see the specific use of iron in ancient times: in the scroll, there are two women holding one end of silk in both hands, and the other woman, ironing clothes. Holding the middle end of the silk in the left hand and the iron in the right hand, ironing back and forth on the cloth and silk.
Irons in the Song Dynasty were more extensive than those of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and their shape also changed: generally hollow short handles, inserted into wooden handles, so as not to iron when ironing. The supporting basin of the charcoal fire is also higher and deeper. Its shape is not exactly round, but some are barrel-shaped. There are many exquisite patterns printed around the bowl. It was used not only to iron clothes and silk, but also to incense, iron paper, protect books and drink alcohol.
Incense: The Song Dynasty invented the combination of iron and smoked cage. While ironing the folds of clothes, they also use incense to bring fragrance to clothes.
Ironing paper protection: Some irons in the Song Dynasty have the function of hot books and pressing paper.
Drinking: Some small irons from the Song Dynasty can also be used for drinking.
Ming and Qing dynasties
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, irons continued to use the Song and Yuan dynasties, but the edge of the mouth near the handle was raised to prevent fire. Some iron objects are decorated with the pattern of happiness and longevity, which is not only practical but also ornamental.
Republic of China period
During the Republic of China period, the iron changed from a bowl mouth shape to a triangle, which was airtight. At this time, ceramic irons, alcohol irons, hot water irons, etc. appeared.
modern
The shape of the iron we use now was invented by Westerners, but Westerners used iron much later than in China. It was not until around the 16th century that Dutch tailors began to use hollow box irons. They put hot iron plates from the back door into the iron to keep warm, more than 1600 years later than China.