The actor Ichikawa Ebizō (also known as Ichikawa Danjūrō V) is presented here in the role of the samurai Takemura Sadanoshin in the play Koinyōbō somewake tazuna ("The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife"). Takemura Sadanoshin, depicted here in a state of utter despair, shortly afterwards takes his own life by seppuku. The MET holds an early impression of the portrait.