Chopsticks are made from a variety of materials ranging from plain wood, lacquered wood, bamboo, and ebony to ivory, and they have been used in China for thousands of years. They are used to either grasp food or push it from the plate to the mouth and are considered sufficient for all purposes except soups or ice cream, for which spoons are provided. Chopsticks are normally used in China, but you need not hesitate to ask for a knife or fork if you are embarrassed about your ability to use them. However, your hosts will show indefinite patience with your attempts to master their use, and you will be surprised at how quickly you make the progress.

This article by Yang Tianqing and Daniel Kister.