This plaque illustrates an ox lying with legs splayed on the ground as it is attacked and devoured by four tigers. An interesting aspect of the design is the fact that the scene is viewed from above - we look down on the oxen and its attackers. This is an unusual innovation, for in most examples of Hu art the subject is viewed in silhouette. The artist has also gone to unusual lengths to give the illusion of three-dimensionality, as seen in the foreshortening the tigers' paws. Overlapping is also used to great effect, particularly at the ox's head where its horns pierce the ears of two tigers.

The plaque has holes in each corner, and the piece exhibits wear in these areas, as if from excessive rubbing. This indicates the plaque was tied or hooked to something, perhaps a scabbard or a belt, to serve as decoration. Historical records describe Hu rulers as wearing headdresses of gold (perhaps much like the one included in this exhibit) called a huguan and a gold-adorned belt known as a hudai; this plaque may have ornamented just such a belt.