rough sketch; preliminary drawing; cartoon (for a painting or tapestry)
A preparatory drawing or sketch used as a guide for a final artwork, such as a painting, print, or textile design. Not a humorous cartoon; the sense is closer to 'underdrawing' or 'preliminary design'.
In Japanese painting, you first draw a rough sketch and then apply colors.
The preliminary drawing for this tapestry was done by a famous painter.
下絵 is a preliminary rough sketch or draft, whereas 図案 is a more finished, ready-to-use design or pattern.
underglaze color
Compound of 下 (した, 'under, preliminary') and 絵 (え, 'picture, drawing').