Kanadehon chushingura, Act 1 from the series a Copy for Imitation

Act I, Moronao insults Hangan. When the rest retire to place the helmet in safekeeping, Moronao is left alone with Lady Kaoyo. He attempts to arrange an affair with her, giving her a letter spelling out his advances. Wakasanosuke returns and, perceiving some tension between the lecherous Moronao and the faithful Lady Kaoyo, suggests she leave. The frustrated Moronao deeply insults Wakasanosuke who has upbraided him for his unseemly conduct, and only the return of the high official and his retinue keeps Wakasanosuke from dispatching Moronao then and there. Although carried out by a different artist, some conventions of characterization link the figures in the two prints: Moronao's aged scowl and black robe, Lady Kaoyo's flowered ceremonial head dress, and the idealization of the faces of the two young lords.