A procession of tall cranes walks across a golden ground. Each has a red crown, a black neck and tail feathers, and white plumage shaded with pale blue-grey. One bird in the middle spreads its wings, which breaks the steady rhythm of the others.

The background shows faint square seams, patches of lighter gilding and loose brown brush marks, like the surface of a folding screen. The birds are drawn with fine, confident lines and delicate wash shading. The effect is stately and still, with a warm glow.