Arashi Ryuzō II in the Role of Ishibe Kinkichi, the Money Lender

This image, like that of Sakata Hangorô III in the Role of Fujikawa Mizuemon, is taken from the play Hana-ayame Bunroku Soga as performed at the Miyako-za Theater in Kansei 6 (1794). Ishibe Kinkichi was a moneylender, and the figure seen in this print is from the scene when Kinkichi has come to collect his money from Tanabe Bunzô, who became a lordless samurai and penniless in order to aid the revenge of his lord. The expression in the eyes, filled with the determination to be defiant, along with the pursed lips and pushing up his sleeves, all ably reveal his determination to get the job done, regardless of the lender's circumstances.