This preparatory drawing depicts a couple in the act of intercourse, partly draped by bedding that also covers a kotatsu used for heating. An open window to their rear reveals a snow-covered branch with plum blossom buds. To their left is a portable tobacco tray known as a tabako-bon, alongside a discarded obi belt and a wad of kaichi paper. to their right, standing atop the kotantsu in the top-right corner of the image, a cat with a cropped tail examines a resting heron painted on a folding screen.

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