The centerpieces were marketed as fruit baskets, and for unwitting foreigners, the product had the appeal of an exotic antique from thousands of miles away.
Turns out, the “fruit basket” was a traditional spittoon or chamber part, and some merchants were marking the price up by a factor of 20.
The item was also found in other online shops with suggested uses being an ice bucket or for decorating the kitchen.
But it wasn’t just the high price tag attached to the item, traditionally known as a tan yu in China, that had internet users surprised, but also that the humble pot would be of any interest to foreigners.
“I wonder what foreigners’ reaction would be after knowing what tan yu is use
•
Feb 26, 2021