Annotation: "These are wine containers stacked high behind theZhengdian(Main Wine Shop). The large number of containers are significant because they provide..." (Annotation)

Annotation: "These are wine containers stacked high behind theZhengdian(Main Wine Shop). The large number of containers are significant because they provide..."

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These are wine containers stacked high behind the Zhengdian (Main Wine Shop). The large number of containers are significant because they provide insight into the state of the Song economy at this time. The widespread presence of wine-related visuals on the Qingming scroll highlights the sense of luxury that many in Kaifeng enjoyed. This luxury of wine-drinking was made possible by the commercial revolution that occurred during the Song. 

One primary driver of Song China’s commercial revolution was the expansion of the agriculture industry. New farming technologies, such as rice transplantation, as well as improved hydraulics and irrigation systems spread throughout the countryside during this time. These new technologies increased the efficiency of rice production and thus enabled higher levels of grain output as compared to the traditional method of growing rice, which was both labor and time intensive.

The commercial revolution also brought about several socio-economic consequences. In particular, the improvement in grain transportation and efficiency from rural farmland to the capital was crucial to the availability of wine in Kaifeng as seen throughout the scroll (Tsao 2003, 162). Since one hundred pounds of grain can only produce around twenty pounds of wine, large quantities of grain needed to be transported frequently into the capital in order for so many wine shops to thrive (Tsao 2003, 163-4). One type of specialized mechanism that allowed for an increase in the circulation of goods into the capital (including grain for wine) were the stern-post rudders on the cargo boats that line the riverbank. These rudders were a steering device that allowed for careful navigation through narrow channels and crowded harbors, and thus indicate that the cargo boats were specially designed to transport goods over long distances and through a variety of waterways (Hansen 1996, section 9). 

Several other details on the scroll reveal the popularity of wine in Kaifeng. Besides shop signs, such as the one at the entrance of Zhengdian, other icons pointing to the widespread consumption of wine are visible, from striped flags and curtains signaling “luxuriant inns” to a sign for hangover cures outside the medical office (Ebrey 2009, 180; Tsao 2003, 164). In addition, many tea and food shops also served wine to customers (Ebrey 2009, 179). The high degree development that exists beyond the city wall, where Zhengdian is located, further indicates that commercial activity was so high during this time that there was a market for wine both inside and out of the city. The Qingming scroll therefore reveals that the rise of commercial and economic prosperity in Song China allowed for a vibrant and social wine scene. 

Works Cited: 

Ebrey, Patricia Buckley. Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook, 2nd Ed. Simon and Schuster, 2009.

Hsingyuan, Tsao. “Unraveling the Mystery of the Handscroll ‘Qingming Shange Tu.’” Journal of Song-Yuan Studies, no. 33 (2003): 155–79.

Hansen, Valerie. “The Beijing Qingming Scroll and Its Significance for the Study of Chinese History.” Journal of Sung-Yuan Studies, (1996): 1-7.