The Peculiar Tale of Giraffes in 15th Century China
During the Ming Dynasty’s brief golden age of exploration, China’s imperial court welcomed two extraordinary visitors: giraffes. These exotic creatures, hailing from distant lands, sparked fascination and ignited a cultural exchange that left an enduring mark on Chinese history.
Giraffes as Qilin: A Mythical Encounter
To Emperor Yongle, the giraffes bore an uncanny resemblance to the mythical qilin, a benevolent creature revered in Chinese folklore. With its skin-covered horns, deer-like body, cloven hooves, and vibrant coat, the giraffe seemed to embody many of the qilin’s attributes.
While the emperor acknowledged the similarities, he maintained a pragmatic outlook, emphasizing the importance of good governance over supernatural signs. Nonetheless, the association between the giraffes and the qilin persisted, adding to their allure and significance.
The Treasure Fleet and Zheng He’s Voyages
The giraffes arrived in China aboard Admiral Zheng He’s legendary “Treasure Fleet,” a formidable armada that sailed as far as the Cape of Good Hope. Zheng He’s expeditions, commissioned by Emperor Yongle, played a pivotal role in expanding China’s maritime reach and fostering diplomatic ties with foreign nations.
On his fourth voyage, Zheng He encountered envoys from Malindi, a coastal city in present-day Kenya. As a gesture of tribute, the envoys presented the Chinese with a giraffe, which was eagerly accepted and transported back to the imperial court.
The Giraffes in the Forbidden City
The giraffes became prized possessions of the emperor, who housed them in the exclusive jin-yuan, or forbidden gardens, within the sprawling Forbidden City complex. These exotic animals joined a menagerie of other creatures, including elephants, rhinoceroses, bears, parrots, peacocks, and ostriches, all symbols of the emperor’s wealth and power.
A Special Commission: The Giraffe Portrait
Recognizing the giraffes’ uniqueness, Emperor Yongle commissioned a court artist to capture their likeness. The resulting painting, which still exists today, offers a fascinating glimpse into how the Chinese perceived these foreign visitors.
While adhering to traditional qilin iconography, the artist also incorporated distinct giraffe-like features, such as its long neck and spotted coat. This artistic fusion reflects the interplay between myth and reality, as the Chinese struggled to reconcile their existing beliefs with the novel creature before them.
The Fate of the Giraffes
The giraffes’ fate after the end of Chinese exploration remains shrouded in mystery. With the Ming Dynasty’s shift towards isolationism in 1433, the era of maritime expeditions came to an end. No records exist to shed light on the giraffes’ ultimate destiny.
However, the enduring legacy of these extraordinary animals can be seen in the cultural impact they left behind. The giraffes’ arrival in China sparked a fascination with the natural world, fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth.
The Giraffes’ Enduring Legacy
The story of the giraffes in 15th century China is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the human capacity for wonder and adaptation. These exotic creatures, once perceived as mythical beings, became symbols of exploration, diplomacy, and the enduring fascination with the unknown.
Their presence in the imperial court, captured in the iconic giraffe portrait, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and the enduring legacy of China’s golden age of exploration.
