The Bamboo Drinking Game Pot
by Frank Zijie Wang
Figure 1 (above): Bamboo and wood drinking game pot with 26 inscribed bamboo sticks (see Figure 2, below). Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Collected for the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, New Orleans, 1884-1885. Kiating (Jiading), Kiangsu (Jiangsu) Province, China. Asian Ethnology. Chinese Government Collection. UMMAA 11192.
This brown bamboo pot is a drinking game pot from Jiading, Jiangsu Province, China. Drinking games are a traditional form of Chinese banquet entertainment, often seen at weddings, holidays, and other celebrations. Today, they are an integral part of Chinese drinking culture and remain a popular form of entertainment across many regions. The “drinking game pot” is a common tool used in these games.
This pot can be used in two ways. The first way is a pitching game, similar to the Western game of quarters, where people use sticks or metal rods to try and throw them into the pot from a certain distance. The person who scores the most hits can command others. The second way involves placing a series of drinking commands in the pot. The person who draws a command must follow the instructions, which may involve drinking, performing certain actions, or telling a story. Essentially, this drinking game is not significantly different from those commonly seen in Western countries. There are also unique aspects to what Chinese people drink during these games, often including traditional spirits like baijiu (a type of Chinese distilled liquor).
In China, persuading someone to drink is not seen as punitive but rather as a sign of respect and generosity. For instance, at banquets, the host often drinks more than the guests; at weddings, the groom and his father may be the ones who drink the most, with people encouraging them to drink as a way to show support and congratulations. This is why the artifact is commonly known as a “drinking game pot,” reflecting its role in these traditional games.
This drinking game pot contains 26 bamboo sticks, each representing a drinking command to identify who should drink or whose instructions should be followed. Each bamboo stick has two sides: one smooth and slightly curved outward, and the other rough and flat. All textual content is written on the smooth side. The texts on the bamboo sticks are divided into two parts: the upper part and the lower part. The upper part contains short poems written in green paint, while the lower part contains specific instructions written in red paint. The short poems serve as entertainment; they may be social satire, admonitions, or social norms. The instructions explain the poems to help those who cannot understand them determine the next action. The drinking game pot itself is 13 centimeters tall and 7 centimeters in diameter. One side of the pot is engraved with 14 characters, including a two-character signature. The front of the drinking game pot is engraved with the Chinese characters “分争旗鼓凭三雅领袖嗣林有二苏,” which means “In a closely matched competition, the decision relies on three refined individuals. Among the successors of the leaders, there are two with the surname Su.” However, we are not certain about the meaning of the phrase “Among the successors of the leaders, there are two with the surname Su.” It is unclear whether this indicates that two individuals with the surname Su won the competition, or if this artifact belongs to these two individuals, or perhaps it references a fragment of Chinese history that we have not fully understood. At the end, there is an inscription with the signature “文生[Wensheng],” but we are unable to identify the specific identity of the engraver.
Drinking games are an extension of Chinese drinking culture and are also related to Chinese social culture. Let's look at three examples of bamboo sticks.
The first one: “要算主人情重; 任主人施行 [You must consider the host's deep affection for you; let the host decide your next action].” This reflects the respect for the host and the concept of personal relationships in Chinese society. In ancient society, it was the host's duty to prepare a banquet for the guests, but this also created a sense of indebtedness among the guests. This indebtedness would translate into a moral obligation for the guests to respect and assist the host. For example, many famous ministers in Chinese history were invited to banquets by the emperor. During the banquet, the ministers would feel the emperor's kindness and be willing to serve him. This drinking command emphasizes that guests must follow the host's orders.
The second one: “似得了将军令; 将奉 [It is as if you have received a general's order; you must obey the commands of everyone present].” In ancient China, a general's order was also written on a bamboo slip, similar to these drinking commands. Thus, the drinking command uses an analogy, comparing the drinking command to a general's order.
The third one: “心广体胖；肥胖东饮 [A broad mind leads to a stout body; the present overweight person and the host drink].” In China, there has been a long-standing way of complimenting overweight people by saying that because they are tolerant and generous, their appearance is fuller and fatter. This way of complimenting people has been passed down to the present day, and even today, Chinese people still use the concept of “A broad mind leads to a stout body.” Here, we see that the overweight guest and the host drink together, once again highlighting the host's leadership role at the banquet and the fact that drinking in Chinese culture is not a form of punishment.
In conclusion, the drinking game pot from Jiading, Jiangsu Province, is a fascinating artifact that reflects the rich traditions of Chinese banquet culture. These drinking games, integral to celebrations such as weddings and holidays, illustrate the cultural importance of social interaction and respect within Chinese society. The pot itself, with its intricate engravings and bamboo sticks, not only serves as a tool for entertainment but also as a medium for conveying social norms, humor, and historical references. Despite some uncertainties about specific inscriptions, this artifact provides a unique glimpse into the customs and values that have shaped Chinese social gatherings over the centuries. Through these games, we can appreciate the blend of fun, respect, and tradition that continues to influence Chinese drinking culture today.
Cases:
要算主人情重 任主人施行
You must consider the host's deep affection for you; let the host decide your next action.
似得了将军令 将奉
It is as if you have received a general's order; you must obey the commands of everyone present.
心广体胖 肥胖东饮
A broad mind leads to a stout body; the present overweight person and the host drink.
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Figure 2. These bamboo sticks are engraved with drinking commands to identify who should drink or whose instructions should be followed. They fit inside the pot pictured above.
