Ancient Chinese Alchemy: Researchers Recreate Wine Using a 2,000-Year-Old Imperial Still

In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese researchers have recreated distilled wine using a replica of an ancient bronze still found in a 2,000-year-old tomb. This advancement sheds new light on the early mastery of distillation techniques long before historical records suggest.

unveiling an ancient treasure

The year was 2011 when archaeologists unearthed the tomb of Liu He, an emperor from the Western Han Dynasty, in Jiangxi Province, China. This site revealed an array of historically significant artifacts, including gold and jade items, over 6,000 pieces of composite metal armor, and notably, the oldest known portrait of Confucius. Yet, among these treasures lay something even more intriguing—a sophisticated bronze still.

Liu He’s brief reign as emperor in 74 BC ended in his deposition after just 27 days due to inappropriate conduct deemed by Huo Guang, the regent at the time. Despite being exiled and demoted to the title of Marquis of Haihun, his tomb reflects his imperial stature with its well-preserved relics.

• Composite metal armor pieces
• Gold and jade ornaments
• An ancient portrait of Confucius

a technological marvel from antiquity

The discovery of this bronze still has sparked significant interest due to its potential role in alcohol production. The still was part of a chamber specifically used for storing beverages. Comprising a main pot, cylinder, and boiler, it demonstrated advanced technological mastery for its time.

Researchers at Zhengzhou University meticulously reconstructed this still at half its original scale. Their findings showed that it had remarkable distillation efficiency—achieving over 70% with raw materials like yellow wine and beer. This underscores not only the technical ingenuity but also highlights how ancient Chinese seamlessly integrated innovation with cultural traditions.

revisiting history through experimental archaeology

Prior to this discovery, it was widely believed that alcohol distillation in China began during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), based on texts such as Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica, a 16th-century medical book. However, research on Liu He’s bronze apparatus challenges this timeline.

1. The Han Dynasty (202 BC – 9 AD) now marks an earlier understanding of distillation techniques.
2. This revelation pushes back the origins by nearly a thousand years.

The characteristics observed in the still highlight an advanced comprehension of chemical principles required for liquid separation and concentration.

the art of recreation

The team precisely replicated this ancient process using historically accurate materials and methods. Taro was identified as a key ingredient based on residue analysis from the original still—this starchy food could be fermented to create a distillable alcoholic base.

Zhang Zhongli, the project’s director, emphasized that “this experiment is more than just recreating an artifact; it revives a lost cultural practice that enriches our understanding of ancient life and rituals.”

debunking myths around its use

Since its discovery alongside Liu He’s remains, debates have ensued regarding the exact purpose of this bronze contraption—was it intended for alcohol production or perhaps for distilling floral waters or purifying substances like cinnabar?

Yao Zhihui, another researcher from Zhengzhou’s conservation center noted that “residue analysis clearly reveals starch traces likely originating from taro,” pointing towards its use in alcohol production rather than alchemical or cosmetic purposes.

• Main pot structure aligns with that for distillation equipment

This empirical success showcases not only technological prowess but also demonstrates how resourcefulness played into practical and ceremonial contexts within ancient Chinese society. Wang Meng, one archaeologist involved concluded that “the still represents more than mere technology—it embodies sophisticated knowledge adaptation using natural resources.”