Quails (an) and ears of millet (he) together as a rebus form a homonym for "peace and harmony" (an-he). The quail, which is raised in large numbers in China, is also highly valued for its fighting spirit. In the countryside, it was customary to organize quail fights, similar to cockfights. The quail thus became a symbol of courage and the spirit of competition.
At the same time, however, the painting is a loving study of nature. The plumage of the two quails is rendered in an unusually naturalistic and at the same time decorative manner in its richly nuanced design. Bold, opaque colours are used to create the illusion of real feathers, and the yellow millet grains are also rendered vividly with thick paint.
Little is known about Liu Yongqi. He was probably a professional painter of the late 19th century who catered to the public's taste with his decorative paintings.