Chinese Materia Dietetica, Ming: Butter

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Illustration 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. This painting depicts butter making. The text states: Butter (su) is slightly cooling, sweet and oily. It has the medicinal properties of tonifiying the five viscera, stimulating the large intestine, etc. It is often used to treat mouth ulcers.

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Lettering

Butter (su)

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