Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

This is a detailed Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print, likely a yakusha-e (actor print), dating to the mid-19th century (Edo period). The image shows a close-up of a character wearing voluminous red-striped hakama trousers adorned with a floral hanabishi (diamond flower) pattern in blue, white, and green. The artist's signature is clearly visible in the bottom right corner as 'Gototei Kunisada ga' (立庵亭 國貞 画), which was a signature used by Utagawa Kunisada before he took the name Toyokuni in 1844. Below the signature is the publisher's mark, featuring a mountain shape (yama) over a mitsutomoe (triple comma) symbol, identifying the publisher as Yamaguchiya Tobei (Kinkodo). A red censor seal is also visible near the bottom edge. The print exhibits vibrant polychrome inks on traditional washi paper. Observation of the paper shows a slight warm, aged patina and some mild rippling, which is common for framed antique prints. The linework is fine and crisp, indicating a high-quality carving from the original woodblocks. The piece is professionally matted and framed under glass, though some reflections are present. There is No obvious sign of foxing or major tearing in the visible portion, though some light fading of the organic pigments may have occurred over time.