Cai Wenji (蔡文姬; 162-229), daughter of Cai Yong (蔡邕) from the Eastern Han period, was abducted by northern tribesmen on horseback during the chaos of the Xingping era, married to King Zuoxian (左賢王) of the Southern Xiongnu, and later rescued by Cao Cao (曹操) after payment of a large ransom.

The theme of "Lady Wenji's Return to China" (文姬歸漢) was often evoked as a subject in paintings. This scene depicts "Bidding Farewell" (辭別) of the "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute" (胡笳十八拍). It shows King Zuoxian and Cai Wenji having wine and conversing before her departure. Even though the events took place during the later stages of the Han dynasty, the clothing of the figures was done with features that fits well with the Song and Jin dynasties.

This painting bears no seal or signature of the artist, but it had been attributed at some point to Chen Juzhong (陳居中), who was a painter-in-attendance at the Painting Academy during the Jiatai reign (1201-1204) of Emperor Ningzong (寧宗) of the Song dynasty.