Chinese Materia Dietetica, Ming: Alcoholic beverages

Illustrations from Shiwu bencao (Materia dietetica), a dietetic herbal in four volumes dating from the Ming period (1368-1644). The identity of the author and artists is unknown. It contains entries on over 300 medicinal substances and is illustrated by almost 500 paintings in colour. The illustrations depict the manufacture of Shandong 'autumn dew spirit '(qiulu baijiu) and Nanjing 'bottled liquor' (pingjiu). The text states: Nanjing bottled liquor is fermented with grain. Because the water is alkaline, a little lime is added. It is very sweet in sapor. If drunk to excess, it is retained in the centre, causing an accumulation of phlegm. Shandong autumn dew spirit is colourless with a pure, clean flavour.

Bottled liquor from Nanjing (Nanjing pingjiu); Autumn dew spirit (qiulu baijiu) from Shandong