Japanese Chained Bamboo Chopsticks from One Piece

21 1/4" full length, each is 9 5/8", 5 individual links ~5/8" x ~1/2".

I have used chopsticks for decades in Japanese, Chinese & Vietnamese restaurants...but can't say I want to try the chained variety at suppertime!

It was commented elsewhere that chained chopsticks are very common in personal use, and the suggestion was that it prevented the loss of one or the other...the reference being about silver, and thus the loss of value prevented by the chain.

I don't get the connection to utilitarian, common materials...but I'm notoriously soft-headed about many things. Thanks for lookin'!

 

Just a bamboo whittler, showing off. I have a small but pleasing collection of whittled balls-in-cages and chains - I respect the skill & patience involved and dismiss the practicality. Very sad once when an estate sale insisted on bagging everything before purchase and their ham-handed assistant dropped a fine old double ball-in-cage, which promptly shattered....

 

I like that explanation! Was going to guess that it could be a learning set... for somebody who is new to using chopsticks. But no, it seems more decorative than that.