c. 17th century

Lions and Foreign Groom

Rendered entirely in gossamer-like ink lines, this delicate painting exhibits the baimiao (outline drawing) brush technique, which is quintessential in the history of Chinese painting. This album leaf belongs to a genre of court paintings that portray foreigners offering exotic animals or goods as tribute to the emperor. Such images have a long tradition that goes back to at least the sixth century, serving as auspicious emblems to highlight the strength of the Chinese empire and the virtue of its ruler.