Chinese Materia Dietetica, Ming: Alcoholic beverages

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. The illustrations show the production of Suzhou 'small-bottle' liquor (xiaoping jiu) and Dongyang liquor. The text states: 'Small-bottle liquor' from Suzhou is fermented with substances such as onion, aconitum (chuanwu, monkshood), yeast (qu) and red beans (hongdou). It causes headache and thirst. Dongyang liquor is made with particularly good water, which is said to be heavier than other kinds of water. It has enjoyed renown since ancient times; Shilin guangji [Comprehensive Record of Affairs, 1269 CE] records the method of manufacture, and notes that it is made with medicinal herbs.

'Small-bottle liquor' (xiaoping jiu) from Suzhou; Dongyang liquor