Dimensions: 53 × 24.6 cm
Artist: Sima Zhong (Qing Dynasty, China)

Also known by the style names Ziying, Xiugu (Xiugu), and Zijinshan Qiao, Sima Zhong was a native of Shangyuan (present-day Nanjing) and served as a judicial officer in Zhili.

Renowned for his freehand bird-and-flower paintings, Sima employed bold, expressive brushwork that departed from the meticulous "outline-and-fill" tradition. Whether depicting blossoms, birds, or small creatures such as insects, fish, and shrimp, his few swift strokes conveyed striking vitality. He occasionally painted orchids and landscapes but was celebrated chiefly for the lively spirit of his flower-and-bird compositions.

This fan painting, titled "Summer's Cool Shade," exemplifies his vigorous, spontaneous style and the refreshing atmosphere suggested by its name.