Preparatory sketch: Fruits of the Sea

Preparatory sketch in black ink of a still-life entitled 'Fruits of the Sea' [Yoto Kaibutsu]. Katei submitted a painting of this title to the International Exposition in Vienna in 1873 and painted many other versions. In this drawing, Katei experimented with different compositions of fish, octopus, crab, crustaceans and shellfish, together with a branch of peach blossom indicating summer. Different quantities and thickness of ink are used for either the broad outlines or delicate details. In the upper area, Katei has begun to sketch other fish (see also 56.50.80).