China/ Africa: In this tile tableau (c.1690-1730), several Chinese merchants and noblemen appear to have made themselves at home in an African village.

An almost entirely traditional Chinese scene revolves around two sturdy African villagers dressed in skirts and headdresses who are holding spears. The Africans seem to be amused, most probably curious at the sight of so many richly dressed Chinese men and women, pagodas, pavilions, Chinese lanterns, a bamboo bridge, a Chinese gondola and even a floating Buddha in the sky. In the lower half of the painting, an African woman dances while Chinese warriors charge around on horseback.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History