The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakon, a Fox Disguised as a Teawhisk Seller in Nue no mori ichiyo no mato, Nakamura Theater

In this print, a fox’s true nature is being revealed. He is pretending to be a peddler of tea whisks—you can see a broom with attached tea whisks on the ground beside him. But look closely at his hands: they are curling into fox paws. No longer able to use his hands, he has to use his mouth to carry an arrow. This print allows us to imagine a convincing performance by the popular actor Ichikawa Yaozō II, known for his skills in diverse male roles.