This preparatory drawing depicts two Shinto deities engaging in intercourse at the great Shrine of Izumo. The male figure likely represents Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, the primary Shinto deity of Enmusubi (the tying of relationships or matchmaking) at Izumo Shrine. Often described as the “god of marriage,” he is believed to oversee human relationships during the annual gathering of the gods held in the tenth month of the traditional lunar calendar.

At this time, the Kamiari Festival takes place at Izumo Shrine to welcome the deities of Japan, who are said to assemble there to decide the coming year’s marriages, births and deaths. Because of this belief, people in the Izumo region call the tenth month Kamiarizuki, meaning “the month with gods,” while in the rest of Japan it is known as Kannazuki, or “the month without gods.”

The scene shows the figures surrounded by a large accordion-style book and several wooden tablets inscribed with the names of men and women. These tablets represent single individuals, and will be paired and tied together to form a couple between people.

The drawing is annotated with instructions indicating the colours intended for the final painting for an album or hand scroll, offering insight into the artist’s design process and planned palette.