This preparatory drawing depicts a woman seated in her room, attempting to read by the light of a lantern beside a round window. Behind her, her lover approaches, stimulating her privates with his fingers.

On the woman’s desk stands a tall-necked vase holding stems of ominaeshi (golden lace) flowers. Blooming in autumn, these flowers are a classical Japanese symbol of feminine beauty. The room is further furnished with a ceramic oil lamp and a kimono rack draped with the woman’s garments.

The 8th autumn month is traditionally a time for moon viewing, with the appearance of the full moon on the fifteenth night being particularly celebrated, however, the waxing moon that appeared on the thirteenth night was also admired and could thus potentially be depicted in this scene.

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.