The plate features Chinese pagodas on the lake landscape with boy on ox. This mountains and water scene symbolizes purity and unity with nature (Yin & Yang).

Such landscape scenes weren't ordered for the imperial court. These innovative scenes first introduced in 17th century represented taste of scholars, an educated class. To some extent such landscapes were a counterbalance to the ideals of Confucianism, where civil servants should be strictly loyal to the ruler. This new trend was visible in the beggining of 20th century. The New Culture Movement, which emerged at the time blamed Confucianism for China's weakeness.

Landscape symbolizes the ideal of retirement close to nature.