Nakamura Utaemon IV as the ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune with Iga no Kotarō Asayuki in the play 'Meiyo jinsei roku'

Nakamura Utaemon IV (1798–1852) was a kabuki actor who excelled in performing both male and female roles. This print shows a moment of high drama in a kabuki play in which Nakamura Utaemon IV plays the ghost of Iga Shikibu Jinnojo Mitsumune confronting Iga no Kotaro Tomoyuki (played by Nakamura Fukusuke I), a family member who arranged his death. The unearthly status of the ghost is revealed by the figure’s bluish translucence and the accompanying flame, an indicator of the supernatural.