Louis XIV, le Siam et la Chine: Séduire et être séduit.

The reign of Louis XIV was an exceptional moment for relations between France and the "East," and, at its peak, Versailles hosted the Thai embassy in 1686. The diplomatic gifts that were exchanged competed in variety and luxury, with each sovereign offering what seemed most likely to please the recipient and express the dignity of his office. At the end of the reign of Louis XIV, the nature of contact with the Emperor of China was difficult to define, given the ambiguous role of the Jesuits, who seemingly acted more in their own interests than in those of the Emperor or the King of France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]