Actor Ichikawa Danjûrô VII

Dramatic lightning flashes behind Ichikawa Danjūrō VII, who most likely here portrays the character of Fuwa Banzaemon, a villain who steals an important scroll, framing his rival for the deed.  Banzaemon carried a sword known as “Thunder” and often wears kimono with lightning patterns. Here the costume features peonies, the actor’s personal insignia. The accompanying poem compares the pleasant fragrance of the first flowering plums to the priceless worth of the oyadama (“boss jewel”), a common name of praise for actors of the Ichikawa lineage.