Edo period (18th - 19th century), bearing signature Kanshosai and cursive monogram

A dragonfly is called tonbo in Japanese and is also known as katsumushi, literally "Victorious insect," because when it hunts, it flies directly forward, never deviating in its path. Since the dragonfly was regarded as a symbol of victory and good luck, it was preferred by samurai and often depicted as a subject of sword fitting and armor.
Arthur Kay was a British art collector and the author of Treasure Trove in Art, published in 1939. He was married to the Scottish artist Katharine Cameron.