This is an illustration of envoys from various countries paying tribute to an emperor. This type of painting started to appear in 629, when Yang Shigu, Minister of the Office of General Administration of the Tang Dynasty, made a proposal to Emperor Taizong to depict tributary missions in paintings. The title “Illustration of Tributary Missions” was derived from the chapter on tributary missions from the Lost Book of Zhou. This painting is considered a reflection of Joseon's yearning for imperial glory and splendor enjoyed by the Chinese empires.
