The actor Otani Oniji (or Ichikawa Omezo) III is playing the role of a 'bad guy' named Edobei (江戸兵衛) who is trying to steal money from Yakko Ippei (奴一平) (the previous actor in this collection) in the Kabuki play ‘Koi Nyobo Somewake Tazuna' (恋女房染分手綱).

The pose - with both hands thrust out, and all fingers spread wide - is unique and must have been very sensational in the day.