Each painting shows a blossoming plum branch painted in ink and white color. The effective use of a light blue paper creates an atmosphere of snow-cast wintery sky. Branches are executed with strong calligraphic brushwork, while the white petals of the blossoms are painted with spontaneity and with a keen observation of their natural character. Each scroll bears a poem about plum blossoms written in running script by the artist, accompanied by his artistic name, Sokryon (Stone-lotus).

According to the famous late Choson biographical work of artists, Sohuajing, as well as Kim Yongyun's Han'guk sohuainmyong saso (1911, p.420), Yi Kongwu's style name is Kongyo and his artistic name is Tugangchobu. A scholar-official at the late Choson court, he was admired for his ink painting of plum blossom. The plum blossom was a time-honored subject for the literati in poetry and painting and symbolised the human traits of perserverence and integrity, since it bears flowers after enduring cold and snow. Because of this symbolism, plum paintings were one of the most popular subjects of the time and often adorned the walls of scholars' studios. Yi was the most admired painter for the subject in his day and his paintings were much sought after. He was often asked to paint the subject, providing the participating scholars poetic inspiration. One such gathering is recorded for the year 1853.

A screen of plum blossoms by the same artist painted in a comparable style was recently acquired by the Seattle Art Museum.