Item Description 歌川国貞 Utagawa Kunisada II（1823-1880） This is an authentic Meiji-period Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e) by Utagawa Kunisada II, from the celebrated series "Genji Gojūyonjō" (源氏五十四帖 / The Fifty-Four Chapters of the Tale of Genji), depicting Chapter 11, "Hana Chirisato" (花散里, "The Lady of the Falling Flowers"). Kunisada II was a leading printmaker of the late Edo to early Meiji period, and this series stands among the finest examples of "Genji-e" — prints reinterpreting the classical Heian-era novel "The Tale of Genji" through elegant, richly costumed figures in a domestic interior setting. The composition shows two figures within a beautifully appointed interior, surrounded by decorative textile patterns, a hexagonal charcoal brazier, and a scroll bearing the chapter's poem, all rendered in the refined, jewel-toned palette characteristic of Kunisada's later Genji-e work. The print bears the artist's signature cartouche reading "Kunisada hitsu" (国貞筆, "drawn by Kunisada") alongside the red title cartouche of the series and a publisher's seal. Printed in chūban format and later backed with supporting paper (裏打ち), this piece is a wonderful example of Meiji-period ukiyo-e craftsmanship, offering a rare glimpse into 19th-century Japanese interpretations of one of the world's oldest novels. A lovely piece for collectors of ukiyo-e, Genji-e, or Japanese literary art. Size Height: 18 cm Width: 11 cm Depth: Weight Condition The print has been backed with supporting paper (裏打ち) for preservation and shows light overall toning consistent with age, along with minor edge wear and creasing near the corners; the image and colors otherwise remain well preserved. Artist Profile Utagawa Kunisada II (1823–1880) was a leading ukiyo-e printmaker of the late Edo to early Meiji period. Born in 1823, he entered the studio of the celebrated Utagawa Kunisada (later known as Toyokuni III) in 1836, initially working under the name Kunimasa III. In 1850, he married his master's eldest daughter and took the name Kunisada II. During the years he signed his work as "Kunisada," roughly spanning the final years of the Edo period into the early Meiji era, he produced the majority of his acclaimed Genji-e (Tale of Genji-themed prints), including the present series. Around 1870, following his master's death, he assumed the name Utagawa Toyokuni IV. His work is admired for its refined composition, elegant figures, and rich, decorative use of color. ~NOTICE~ Your item will be carefully packaged and shipped via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx, depending on the size and destination. Please allow approximately 3 weeks for delivery under normal circumstances. Please note that import duties, taxes, and any additional customs charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost, and will be the buyer’s responsibility upon arrival. In some cases, customs authorities or the delivery carrier in your country may contact you by phone or email to arrange customs clearance. Please ensure you are available to respond promptly, as an unanswered call or message may result in the parcel being returned to us. Should this occur, the buyer will be responsible for the additional reshipping fee. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.