Preparatory sketch

A composition depicting pink and purple peonies with two white butterflies fluttering around the leaves. The inscription on top left contains the signature of the artist and is dated 1893. This elongated horizontal composition was suitable for a handscroll painting. Katei contributed a piece very similar to this for a handscroll where various artists’ works were pasted end to end. This work showcases the contrast between opaque colour pigments in the flower and ink brushwork for the rock.