The kabuki actors Nakamura Shibazō (中村芝蔵) as Matsuōmaru (松王丸) and Bandō Hikosaburō (坂東彦三郎) as Umeōmaru (梅王丸).

The actors Nakamura Shibazō and Bandō Hikosaburō are playing the roles of Matsuōmaru and Umeōmaru in a scene from the third act of the drama Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy (Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami: san no naka, 菅原伝授手習鑑: 三ノ中). Along with Kanadehon Chūshingura, this play is one of the most popular dramas in the kabuki repertoire.
The story is inspired by the life of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), a Heian-era court noble falsely accused of conspiracy and later exiled to Kyūshū. In this play, the fictional triplets Matsuōmaru, Umeōmaru, and their brother Sakuramaru play significant roles, embodying loyalty and service to Michizane.
Mica painting has been applied to the actors hair and garments, creating a shimmering effect when viewed in backlight. The censor`s seal is visible on the left side.