China: Emperor Xuande, 5th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1425-1435), drawn by elephants in the imperial coach.

Detail of a silk scroll, 'The Emperor's Approach', showing the luxury in which the emperor Xuande travelled. Elephants were kept in the imperial elephant stables until around 1900 and were often used for ceremonial occasions, such as the emperor's visits to the Temple of Heaven. Here, however, the large number of horsemen accompanying the emperor's carriage suggests that the emperor was on a much longer journey in the countryside.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

MANDATE OF HEAVEN