Preparatory sketch: One Hundred Year's Reward

Preparatory sketch on paper in black ink and colour pigment depicting a deer poised on the edge of a rocky outcrop above a rapidly flowing stream, dated 1895. A fungus (known as reishi in Japanese) provides an accent of red near the bottom, above which orchids are growing. The representation of pine and bamboo, two of the 'Three friends of winter', suggest a scene in the winter months. Both evergreen, pine and bamboo symbolise perseverance and constancy.
The inscription in the top left contains the signature of the artist and the title of the piece: Juten hyakuroku - One Hundred Year's Reward.