On hot summer days, there is nothing better than eating a popsicle and enjoying the cool breeze of an air conditioner. So how did the ancient Chinese survive the summer days without air conditioners or refrigerators for thousands of years?

Cooling off with ice treats in the summer is not a privilege exclusive to modern people. In China, the widespread use of refrigerators is a recent development that has occurred only in the past few decades, but exquisitely designed iceboxes appeared as early as the Qing Dynasty, over 300 years ago. Shenyang Museum houses a treasured cloisonné enamel icebox, which can not only store food but also serve as a vital tool for heat relief and cooling down in the imperial palace during the Qing Dynasty. On the fourth stop of Treasure Hunt Across Liaoning, Feng Yongai (Manassanun Pittayanurak), a Thai student from Shenyang Normal University, stepped into Shenyang Museum to explore the “secret” of how the ancient Chinese people beat the summer heat.

Shenyang Museum is a comprehensive museum reflecting the history and culture of Shenyang. Stepping into the exhibition hall on the first floor feels like entering an ancient Chinese imperial palace, with an array of exquisite enamelware dazzling the eyes. Among them, an enamel icebox specially designed for the emperors and empresses caught Feng Yongai’s attention.

This box is named the “Cloisonné Enamel Curled-up Dragon Icebox with Openwork Carving Patterns of Auspicious Flower and Animal Ear”. It features a flat, square-shaped structure, adorned with meticulously crafted cloisonné enamel designs of Kui dragon and fretwork patterns on all four sides. At the center of each side, there are exquisite hollowed-out gilded auspicious flowers and scroll leaf patterns. The inner liner of the icebox is made of tin plates, with wooden partition boards added. Such a design can prevent the ice from melting quickly. Summer fruits like peaches and grapes can be placed on the wooden board inside the box to protect them from rotting due to hot weather. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the pursuit of elegance and luxury was in vogue. The emperor’s utensils of daily life were deluxe, and this cloisonné enamel icebox became a cherished treasure of Emperor Qianlong.

So, how was this refrigerator used? It turns out that ancient Chinese people would collect a large quantity of ice blocks during winter and store them in underground cellars. When the following summer arrived, they would break the ice into pieces and place them inside the icebox along with fruits, thus achieving a preservation effect. This icebox not only served the function of refrigerating food but also acted as an “air conditioner”. The box is equipped with perforations that release cool air, effectively circulating the refreshing chill emanating from the ice and lowering the indoor temperature.

In addition to the enamel icebox, Shenyang Museum also houses a diverse collection of exquisite enamel artifacts, such as gourd vases and screens, which feature a rich variety of forms with a sense of elegance and splendor. Enamelware is a traditional Chinese handicraft with a history of over 600 years. Although its crafting techniques originated in the Arab region, it was soon endowed with Chinese cultural connotations after its introduction to China, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese culture.

“The ‘heat relief artifact’ used in the imperial court of the Qing Dynasty is more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and healthier compared to modern refrigeration equipment”. While marveling at the exquisite enamel handicraft and the extraordinary wisdom of the ancient Chinese, Feng Yongai said, “This air conditioner-icebox combo witnesses the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures over millennia and also reflects the profound humanistic heritage of Liaoning. It deepens my understanding of Liaoning and Shenyang.”