This album is composed of 18 leaves in a format in which the text is above and the illustration below, forming a continuous sequence for the story. It narrates the story of the gifted Eastern Han lady Ts'ai Wen-chi, who during a period of chaos in the early 3rd century was captured by nomads and married off to King Tso-hsien of the Southern Hsiung-nu. Not until 12 years later was she ransomed and then escorted home by Ts'ao Ts'ao.

       Each illustrated segment is descriptive in terms of the details of the story, the figures, horses, and background scenery. Originally attributed to the Sung court painter Li T'ang, the painting here dates slightly later stylistically. Damaged in places, it was restored by a Ming dynasty (1368-1644) painter.