Rice Wine Collection

Asia, Vietnam. Snake wine for sale in a Saigon store, Ho Chi Minh City

Chinese distiller making Cho-Chou or brandy in a vat on a furnace. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Freschi
FLO4590345 Chinese distiller making Cho-Chou or brandy in a vat on a furnace. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Freschi after Antoine Cardon from Henri-Leonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin

Back to back, from a series of 12 prints, c. 1700. Creator: Furuyama Moroshige
Back to back, from a series of 12 prints, c. 1700. Attributed to Furuyama Moroshige

A Professional Buffoon, from an untitled series of 12 prints, c. 1710. Attributed to Torii Kiyonobu I

The Eighth Month (Nanryo), from the series a Calendar of Elegance (Furyu junikagetsu), c. 1788. Creator: Hosoda Eishi
The Eighth Month (Nanryo), from the series a Calendar of Elegance (Furyu junikagetsu), c. 1788

Festivity at a teahouse, from a parody of Chushingura, c. 1797 / 98
Festivity at a teahouse, from a parody of Chushingura, c. 1797/98

The Scoop-Net, Japan, c. 1800 / 01. Creator: Kitagawa Utamaro
The Scoop-Net, Japan, c. 1800/01

Enjoying the Cool in a Garden, Japan, c. 1788 / 90. Creator: Kitagawa Utamaro
Enjoying the Cool in a Garden, Japan, c. 1788/90

Pleasure-Boating on the Sumida River, Japan, 1788/90. Creator: Kitagawa Utamaro
Pleasure-Boating on the Sumida River, Japan, 1788/90

Preparing Seven Herbs on the Seventh Day of the New Year, Japan, 1798

Courtesan Plying Shojo with Sake, no. 4 from a series of 12 prints, c. 1708

Parody of Palace Attendants Burning Maple Leaves to Heat Sake from " The Tale of Heike", c. 1750

Around the Kotatsu, c. 1789. Creator: Katsukawa Shuncho
Around the Kotatsu, c. 1789. Two women keep warm at a kotatsu, a low table wrapped in a heavy blanket, with a charcoal brazier underneath

Snow, from the series "Snow, Moon, and Flowers of the Floating World (Ukiyo... c)
Snow, from the series " Snow, Moon, and Flowers of the Floating World (Ukiyo setsugekka)", c. 1784/85

Drinking Sake at a Housewarming Party (Takubiraki shuen no zu), 1863

Man in the middle of big pile of wine jars stacked up at a local rice winery, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China

Wine-Set for the New Year Ceremony, 19th century. Creator: Kubo Shunman
Wine-Set for the New Year Ceremony, 19th century

Still Life of Wine Kettle and Cup on Stand, 1795, year of the rabbit

Woman Entertaining Her Guest with New Year Wine, late 18th-early 19th century

Twenty-four Japanese examples branch piety HonchAśren
Twenty-four Japanese examples of branch piety for the Honchoren (series title), The woodcutter Kosagi is standing by a waterfall, with a gourd and his chopper next to him

Asia, Vietnam. Snake wine for sale, Cai Be, Tien Giang Province

Sake bottles in a sake brewery, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Asia, Japan, Tokyo. Barrels of sake, a Japanese rice wine
Japan, Tokyo. Barrels of sake, a Japanese rice wine. Credit as: Nancy & Steve Ross / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont

Bottle of white distilled malt vinegar, rice vinegar, Chinese red wine, mirin, sake, shoahsing, rice wine

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"Exploring the Richness of Rice Wine: A Journey through Asia" Embark on a captivating journey through Asia, where rice wine takes center stage in cultural traditions and unique experiences. In Vietnam's bustling Saigon store, one can find an intriguing sight - snake wine for sale, a potent concoction believed to possess medicinal properties. The vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City come alive with the allure of this exotic elixir. Venturing further into Vietnam, Cai Be in Tien Giang Province unveils another facet culture. Here, amidst picturesque landscapes, snake wine continues to captivate locals and tourists alike with its mystique and ancient origins. Crossing borders into Japan's Gifu Prefecture lies Takayama, home to traditional sake breweries. Sake bottles line the shelves as skilled artisans meticulously craft this iconic Japanese beverage. Immerse yourself in the artistry behind every sip as centuries-old techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Delving deeper into history reveals fascinating glimpses of rice wine's influence throughout time. From Furuyama Moroshige's 18th-century prints depicting scenes from daily life to Hosoda Eishi's elegant portrayal of "The Eighth Month, " these artworks transport us back in time and offer a glimpse into how rice wine has been intertwined with Asian culture for centuries. Intriguingly playful depictions emerge as well – Kitagawa Utamaro’s prints showcase moments like pleasure-boating on the Sumida River or enjoying the coolness within a garden while savoring rice wine’s refreshing taste. These images capture not only leisurely pursuits but also highlight how integral rice wine is to social gatherings and celebrations across Japan. As we explore further into Japanese customs surrounding this beloved libation, we witness rituals such as preparing seven herbs on New Year's Day or courtesans enticing patrons with shojo using sake – showcasing that beyond mere refreshment, rice wine holds a significant place in cultural practices and festivities.