Bian Shoumin was born in Huai'an, Jiangsu and named Weiqi. Although he was successful in the first level of civil service exams, he spent much of his life traveling, writing poetry and painting professionally. Much of his time was spent in Yangzhou, where he befriended the artists Jin Nong (1697-1763), Gao Fenghan (1683-1748) and Zheng Xie (1693-1765).

Geese are among the most frequently painted themes in Bian Shoumin's repetoire. Because they mate for life, they symbolize marital fidelity and harmony in Chinese mythology and therefore, are very suitable subjects for wedding gifts.