By the side of a stream, three different trees with criss-crossing trunks create a canopy of deep shade. The leaves of one of the trees has already begun turning red, indicating the season as autumn. Two oxen are seen resting in the stream as another ox is just about to enter the water. Cowherds ride the oxen, one standing and the other seated. They turn their heads calling out to the calf at the side of the stream. The actions and positions of the figures and oxen make for an endearing rustic scene of village life. The coloring is archaic and light, and the vast space is a typical Southern Sung (1127-1279) one-corner composition. The depiction of rocks and trees was achieved with only a few coarse, abbreviated brush strokes combined with several layers of ink washes. The brushwork used to depict the oxen, in contrast, shows a great deal of refinement and variation.This is the first leaf in the album Sung Yüan ming-hui. Although it has no seal or signature of the painter, the brushwork and general style indicate a Southern Sung (1127-1279) date and resemble that of Yen Tz'u-p'ing (fl. latter half of the 12th cent.).