Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞] (Japanese, 1786–1865), also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国]
Signed: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga), in toshidama cartouche
Publisher: Iseya Ichiemon [伊勢屋 市右衛門] (Japanese, active c. 1815–1860s); Marks: 143/16-029
Date-Aratame Seal: Ansei 3 (1856), 1st month (安政三年正月改印) + Aratame (改)
Media: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; uchiwa-e (fan print), 22.6 × 29.5 cm (8 7/8 × 11 5/8 in)
Title: Today’s Morning Cherry Blossoms (時勢朝桜, Jisei asa-zakura)

An uchiwa-e fan print in the bijin-ga genre, featuring a half-length, three-quarter view, facing left portrait of a seated woman adjusting her hair. She lifts her right arm to hold a comb at her temple while her left hand draws forward a lock of hair. A tissue paper (onkotogami, 音琴紙) is held tightly between her blackened teeth, an indication that she is a married woman.

She is seated on a veranda with a railing. To the left, a blossoming cherry tree stands against a pale sky, while to the right, a decorative panel with maple leaves is partially visible. The juxtaposition of cherry and maple subtly alludes to the passing of seasons—spring and autumn.

The print exhibits fading and worm damage, with a visible centrefold.

Provenance: Nelkin Collection (Ruth Nelkin, 1927-2022)