This scene is from a kabuki play featuring Ichikawa Tomiemon as Kamisaka Toma (right) and Sanogawa Ichimatsu as the courtesan Onayo (left).

The crest on Tomiemon's kimono, the Mimasu-mon (three sake cups), contains the kanji character of 'Tomi' (富), symbolizing his name. The square patterns on Onayo's kimono are called the Ichimatsu pattern, named after the actor Ichimatsu (市松).

The hairlines are delicately carved, the transparency of the lady's comb is realistically depicted, and the facial expressions of both actors suggest a serious scene.

Sharaku, the artist, is well known for creating many prints over a brief 10-month period. His true identity remains a mystery to this day.