University of Alberta Museums Search

The front fringe of the mounted scroll has one label with three parts: “the picture of the southern inspection tour” (nan-xun-tu), “the seventh scroll “ (di-qi juan), and “the route from Wuxi county to the emperor’s accommodation at Suzhou’s official residence” (zi-wuxi-xian zhubi suzhou-fu). At the beginning of the handscroll, which is viewed from right to left, a poetry inscription, titled “Reverence picture of the seventh scroll”, describes people welcoming the Emperor’s procession along the route. The poetry also honours Emperor Kangxi for his mercy and granting tax waivers to the Suzhou people. The scroll bears no red seals.

Following the inscription, the painting begins with the countryside scenery of Qingyuan, Huishan temple, and Xishan. Further along, we see Wuxi county with boats on the river and busy streets along the canal. Afterwards, the scenery shows Xin-an, Hu-shu-guan (a bustling city with cargo ships and tax collecting near the Grand Canal), Shan-tang, and Hu-Qiu. In all of these places there is flourishing urban life, both on the streets and the river. Following these cities, we see Chanmen (the Chan gate) of Suzhou and the Emperor’s procession in ships surrounded by a welcoming parade on the dock. The scene moves into the city of Suzhou, showing the busy streets with decorations and the gathering crowds anticipating the Emperor’s arrival. Further to the left, near the end of the painting, we see the Suzhou Weaving Office, which is preparing for the Emperor’s arrival.