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. These paintings illustrate mulberry liquor and Chinese wolfberry (gouqi, lycium chinense) liquor. The text states: Mulberry liquor tonifies the five viscera, tonifies the five viscera, and increases the acuity of the ears and eyes. Chinese wolfberry liquor is a tonic for insufficiency detriment/consumption (xusun), gets rid of overexertion heat (laore), lengthens the muscles,improves the looks, makes one sturdy, and relieves liver deficiency and tearfulness.