Well (Text)

Well

Water supply in the Northern Song capital of Kaifeng is scant. While people are permitted to use them, they are not allowed to dig new wells as they see fit. In the year 1046, responding to various plea for greater water supply, the Northern Song government at last made an initiative to dig more wells throughout the city which, at least for the moment, solved the problem with the shortage of water supply. <br/><br/>In this painting, this is the only well depicted. The workers are loading up the various barrels, perhaps to be transported to various spots in the city.