Tribute bearers

This horizontal scroll depicts a procession of foreign envoys presenting tribute to the Chinese imperial court. The foreigners are shown in an inventive and amusing assortment of facial colors and non-Chinese garments or armor. They bring with them a statue of a lion, an incense burner, three exotic horses, and other gifts. The picture, which is read from right to left, is based on a formal ceremony actually undertaken at the court for such occasions. The procession of tribute bearers was a favorite theme of the Tang dynasty rulers (618-906), who forged political and economic contacts with many countries. The practice also flourished during the Mongol-ruled Yuan dynasty (1280-1368). Official histories document the fact that the Yuan emperor Huidi (reigned 1333-1368) was fascinated by a gift of exotic horses presented to him by the Catholic Church of France in 1342. At a banquet to honor those Western missions, Huidi ordered court artists to compose prose and paintings commemorating "the horse tribute." This scroll may be a depiction of that event. The work is signed by Ren Bowen, who is thought to be the heir of two generations of a family of noted horse and figure painters. This painting, along with three other, similar versions by the Ren family that survive today, serves as a historical record of a diplomatic link between China and the West.