An Incident on the Hunt, late 17th-early 18th century (ink on silk)

This monumental landscape, rendered in pure ink, shows a lively narrative. In the panel on the right, a high-ranking man on horseback, possibly the emperor, is shown receiving a message from a kneeling figure. Behind him, a cadre of elegant court women, also on horseback, look on. In the left panel, a group of scholars—separated by a rocky outcropping—engage in conversation. The painting may suggest that leaders, in order to effectively rule, must strike a balance between seeking the advice of scholars and engaging in various entertainments, like picnicking with women and hunting for sport (shown in the lower part of the painting).