Preparatory sketch

Preparatory sketch depicting a pair of pheasants in a bamboo grove. The representation of pheasant and bamboo derives from the Song dynasty, a pheasant being symbolic of virtuous qualities. The pheasant is Japan's national bird and is believed to be a divine messenger for Amaterasu, the goddess of the universe in the Shinto religion. This composition was used as part of a set of three presented to the Dowager Empress in 1896.