Preparatory sketch

Preparatory sketch on paper of peonies in pink, red and white with three butterflies flying above. The bush peony is one of the most common flowers in East Asian art. Due to the density of its petals, it symbolizes wealth and plenty. Katei has painted the leaves in the ‘boneless’ technique using no contours; the pigment for the petals uses ground seashells, producing an opaque effect.