Many elements place emphasis on the smaller construction, such as the saturation and variety of the onion domes, which greatly juxtapose the uniformity and monotony of larger buildings. Furthermore, the typical Asian building is not to scale; it is actually not that small compared to the symmetrical buildings that dominate it within the painting. This proportional imprecision emphasizes the overwhelming and conquering atmosphere that large, modern buildings emit. Through contemplation of the title, the symbolism shown in the painting becomes more understandable. “Orientalism: the portrayal of Asia… in a stereotypical way that is considered to embody a colonialist attitude.” From this perspective, the painting now seems to represent the dominant presence that radiates Western civilization. Asian architecture is the "stereotypical" symbol that represents the collective culture, while the imposing buildings symbolize the West and the modern