China: Selling pressed coal briquettes from a bicycle and trailer, a common site in North China during winter. Pencil and colour on paper, artist not known, late 20th Century

Throughout China, cylindrical briquettes, called 'feng wo mei' (beehive coal) are used in purpose-built cookers.

These briquettes were invented in Japan in the 19th century, and spread to Manchukuo, Korea and China in the first half of the 20th century. Although they went out of use in Japan after the 1970s, they are still popular in China, Korea and Vietnam.

Each cylinder lasts for over an hour. The cylinders are delivered, usually by cart, to businesses, and are very inexpensive.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History