The painting exemplifies the style of the professional Zhe school of the Ming Dynasty, developed by painters of the imperial academy and professional painters in the 15th and 16th centuries as successors to the academy painting of the Song Dynasty. A distinctive feature of this painting style is the use of stencil-like landscape elements arranged diagonally, creating a layered backdrop. The set pieces are outlined boldly and expressively with broad, calligraphic brushstrokes in deep black ink. The painting evokes the dreary mood of a cold, dark winter's day, but is enlivened by the loud cries of two magpies calling to each other.
In contrast to the ill-omened black crows, magpies with their vivid black and white plumage are considered lucky birds in East Asia. Accordingly, the Chinese name for magpie is 'lucky bird' (xique), and it often serves as a rebus for luck in Chinese art. The five winter magpies depicted here, with their lively cries, provide a cheerful accent on a snowy winter day and serve as a reminder of the approaching auspicious New Year.