Early 18th century, designed c. 1686-1690

Tapestry showing the Harvesting of Pineapples

Chinoiserie, a European style of decoration including fanciful Chinese and pseudo-Chinese motifs, developed in the second half of the seventeenth century during a period of prolonged contact and trade with the Far East. This tapestry is from a set of up to ten, each imagining the lives of the Kangxi emperor and empress of China, who ruled from 1662 to 1722, and the exotic dress, flora, and customs of the country. The harmonious rule of the emperor can also be read as an allusion to the wise government of King Louis XIV of France. "The Story of the Emperor of China" tapestries were among the most popular weavings made at Beauvais and the factory produced multiple sets until 1732, when the cartoons were too damaged to be used again.