Oyster pail

It is often used by American Chinese cuisine restaurants in the United States to package take-out food.

[citation needed] Oyster pails that can be used safely in microwave ovens (without the metal handle, which can cause arcing) are available.

The containers may also be used for storing or transporting non-food items, such as soap bath beads or small parts.

In the United States after World War II, there was a huge increase in sales of takeout foods that could be purchased from restaurants.

Chinese food was a popular choice, since it was tasty, unusual, fairly inexpensive, and traveled well.

A plain oyster pail, lid opened, without a wire handle, containing plain white rice with a pair of chopsticks laid across the top
An opened, plain oyster pail of white rice , with chopsticks
An oyster pail box from a Chinese restaurant