Preparatory sketch

Preparatory sketch on paper in ink and colour pigment of Jurojin, God of Longevity. He stands on a cloud and holds a staff in one hand and a scroll in the other. Two bats appear below the cloud. Jurojin is one of the seven Gods of fortune in Daoism. Originated from the Chinese Daoist god who was the personification of the Southern Pole Star, Jurojin in Japanese mythology is the God of longevity and happy old age. See 56.50.64(DUP) for a similar composition.