The actor Ichikawa Ebizo IV as Takemura Sadanoshin

Ebizo IV appears here in the role Takemura Sadanoshin in the play The Loving Wife’s Parti-colored Reins (Koi nyobo somewake tazuna), performed in 1794. The actor’s family crest of nested measuring boxes appears on his robe. Adapted from a puppet play, the story features a father driven to commit suicide to atone for the misdeeds of his daughter. His facial features distorted in anguish, with brows lifted and eyes wide open, the actor clasps his hands in front of his belly. The moment depicted is either just prior to the father’s suicide, or when he signals his imminent death by announcing to the audience that he has administered the deadly cut.