Oxherder's Dream and Divining Plenty

The sun is setting as the late afternoon wanes. In the distance, peeking out from the rich haze and mist, are serried peaks. A village is seen half-hidden. The foreground is a stagelike space encircled by willows and rocks. A herdsboy is fixing the tether of his tame ox. Three other oxen lie down in rest. Two of the three seem to be mother and child, gazing at each other with deep affection. At the side, a herdsboy sleeps atop his coir jacket with a pleasant facial expression as if enjoying a nice dream. Behind him his companion appears to be up to no good. In the distance, peach trees bloom luxuriantly. Their scattered dots fill the picture with the flavor of spring. The style of this painting in the trees and rocks, as well as the overall mood suggests the Che School of the Ming dynasty. If a Yuan painting, it adumbrates the Che School style.