The design of the present screen is extremely well rendered with an effective use of the varying depths created by the carving. The main attraction of the elephant is seen in the foreground with peripheral figures moving away from the commotion in the mid and far distance providing a lively festive scene of celebration. The subject-matter as indicated by the four characters Wanguo Laichao, 'Tributes from ten thousands nations', is an archaic reference to a tradition of receiving foreign dignitaries during the first fifteen days of the lunar New Year as recorded by the historian, Sima Qian (died c. 90BC).