Copy of a Ming handscroll Showing the Occupations of the Court Ladies

This painting, copied from a famous Ming scroll, is an idealised portrayal of Chinese courtly life. It depicts a spring morning in the Han Palace. Wearing traditional Ming costumes, the women of the court are shown at their leisure, playing musical instruments, dancing, having their portraits made and playing games.
Aside from the empress, many women occupied the court as courtesans or servants. The concubines were often sent to the imperial court from surrounding states, like Mongolia and Korea.