The actor Ichikawa Yaozō III is presented here as the ronin (masterless samurai) or "foot-soldier" Tanabe Bunzō from the play Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga. Bunzō, who is part of the retinue of the Ishii Brothers (who are intent on exacting revenge on their father's murderer), seems to be in deep contemplation, hands in sleeves and eyes slightly glazed over. The MET holds an early impression of the portrait.