Chinese researchers replicate 2,000-year-old bronze vessel to make distilled wine

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******** researchers replicate 2,000-year-old bronze vessel to make distilled wine

Archaeologists in China have brewed distilled wine in a replica of a 2,000-year-old bronze vessel unearthed from an emperor’s tomb. The wine was made employing the same process believed to have been practiced at the time, including the use of taro.

The vessel was found in the tomb of Liu He, the deposed ninth emperor of the Western Han dynasty (202 BC–9 AD), which is one of the best-preserved tombs from that era. The team presented the results of their experiment on Thursday at a meeting in Nanchang, located in the eastern province of Jiangxi where the emperor’s tomb is situated, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

Shedding light on ancient distillation practices

Zhang Zhongli, an archaeologist with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and head of the tomb excavation project, noted that this discovery has recreated the product from the Western Han dynasty—from raw materials to production process and the instrument used.

Distilled liquor is believed to date back to the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 AD) in China, according the ancient ******** medical book Bencao Gangmu, or the Compendium of Materia Medica. However, following the experiment with the replica vessel, which hints that the original could have been used to produce distilled alcohol, it is now being suggested that distillation techniques may date back to the Western Han dynasty.

Liu ascended to the throne in 74 BC, installed by the minister Huo Guang. His reign was short-lived as he was dethroned after just 27 days, likely due to misconduct. He was then banished and given the title Marquis of Haihun. Liu’s tomb in eastern China was discovered in 2011 and has since become a source of several artifacts.

Among the relics unearthed are 6,000 composite armour scales made of iron, copper, and leather bound with lacquer, as well as the oldest known painting of Confucius found in China.

Debate over vessel’s purpose

In 2016, after coffins were removed from the tomb, researchers examined some of the finds, including the bronze vessel. Initially, the team was unsure of its purpose. It proved difficult to determine whether the vessel was used for distilling

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, making fruit juice, or as an ancient hotpot.

According to Xin Lixiang, head of the expert panel working on the dig, traces of fruit and taro were found in the vessel. He noted that the taro could have been used to make wine and that the team would replicate the vessel to conduct experiments to determine its use.

Furthermore, the container was found in a wine storage room and was the largest vessel discovered at the tomb site. Residue of taro, or its starch, was still present in the drum when it was unearthed, suggesting it was used for wine production.

The bronze vessel consists of three parts—a cauldron, steamer, and pot—and its structure is consistent with distillation equipment, according to a report on Zhejiang Online published on Friday. The cauldron and steamer are connected, and the steamer features dragon-shaped adornments.

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