Tiger of the Inner Court

In the autumn of 1404, the second year of the Yongle reign, it was reported that a mythical animal known as a “zouyu” was spotted in the Shenhou Mountains in the realm of Zhu Su, Prince Ding of Zhou. Zhu Su thereupon led a squad to capture the beast. After catching the rare animal, it was presented as tribute to Chengzu, the Yongle emperor. This is a painting of the “zouyu” captured in the Shenhou Mountains. As it shows, the “zouyu” is actually a rare white tiger said to be able to predict good or bad luck. For this reason, the appearance of a “zouyu” was considered an auspicious omen indicating the presence of a ruler possessing the virtues of benevolence and faith.