Printer's woodblock 18th - 19th century

This woodblock print, created by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Toyokuni I, depicts a scene of two figures, likely from a larger narrative. The intricate details and delicate lines of the woodblock carving are clearly visible in this image, which is the actual printing block used to create the final prints. The image showcases Toyokuni's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, capturing the beauty of Japanese clothing and figures. This woodblock, dated to the 18th or 19th century, provides a fascinating glimpse into the process of printmaking in Edo-period Japan.