The imagery of the birds and prunus provides the auspicious rebus, 'the announcement of Spring's arrival', and the imagery itself is summarised by the Imperial text inscribed on the reverse side. According to the signature the text was recorded by Yongxuan (1711-1799), the eighth son of Emperor Qianlong, who held a number of high ranking official appointments during the Jiaqing period.

Yongxuan's writing also appears on a commemorative jade book, sold in these Rooms, 30 April 2000, lot 571.