Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Volume 21: Creeping Herbs

This page consists of a large, detailed woodblock illustration of the Milk Ginseng. The artist has carefully depicted the plant’s climbing habit, its ovate leaves, and the distinctive bell-shaped flowers. Most notably, the illustration emphasizes the thick, bifurcated tuberous root—a fleshy underground storage organ. In traditional practice, these roots were harvested for their medicinal properties, often used as a more affordable substitute for true Ginseng to boost energy and treat respiratory issues.