Oxen

Inscription: The open grasslands fill my eyes, and I am surrounded by the scent of young grain. The plow ox pulls in the direction of the rain, as the studio travels with me. In high summer of the Xinwei year (1931), I traveled to Nanchang along the river. I saw this scene and was immediately drawn to its tranquility. After seeing the upheaval across the country, the open grasslands and young grain are not simply delights to the senses; they are true blessings. I could not paint a large painting easily during my travels. The March harvest is almost upon us, and there are new warnings of Japanese marauders in the northeast and unrest in the Central Plains. We are certainly in great peril. I have no interests anymore and I no longer hold any illusions, but I am buoyed by my memories. Alas! Peace and tranquility are but a hope. If I use all the skill in my fingers, perhaps I can powerfully convey this. The pie in the sky cannot satisfy one’s hunger. However, when I immerse myself in painting herding boys, my mood improves. Oh! Beihong painted this in Yingmu Yongyi Studio in Nanjing. For my beloved wife, Jingwen, to keep.
Seal: “Sealed by Beihong” (Square seal with incised characters)