Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865) c. 1840s
 
A striking ōban-format, Japanese original woodblock print picture depicting a violent individual outside a woman's house during a cold winter night.  The red kumadori-style markings and fierce expression emphasize theatrical tension - in this case, rage! - rather than literal injury like bloody wounds.
 
Very good condition with minimal wear.  Thin backing on reverse, as the impressions are still quite visible and clear.  Measures 35.5 cm x 25 cm.
 
A chilling and psychologically charged composition.
 
A wild-eyed man stands outside in the winter dark, blade clenched between his teeth, his body marked with vivid red streaks that heighten his feral intensity.  Snow-laden pine branches press heavily across the upper frame, their weight amplifying the silence and tension of the frozen night.
 
Inside, a woman peers nervously through the window, her posture tight, her face guarded.  The space between them — divided by wood panels and glass — feels fragile.  The moment is suspended just before action. 
 
The stark contrast between the blackened exterior, the heavy snow, and the pale interior creates a claustrophobic atmosphere.  Indigo robes patterned in deep checks add visual weight to the man’s looming presence, while the red accents slash across the composition like warning signals.
 
An unforgettable image of obsession, intrusion, and impending violence set against a beautifully rendered winter scene.