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Struggle at Night by Kunihiro (active circa 1815 - 1843) and Kunishige (active circa 1847 - 1855)

Original Kunihiro (active circa 1815 - 1843) and Kunishige (active circa 1847 - 1855) Japanese Woodblock Print
Struggle at Night

Osaka Prints - Produced in the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto, Osaka prints or kamigata-e are instantly distinguishable from typical Edo ukiyo-e. A major difference is the choice of subject matter. Osaka prints were nearly always portraits of actors or kabuki scenes. In contrast, Edo print subjects included beauties, landscapes, nature scenes, warriors, and historic events, in addition to kabuki.

Distinctly different artistic styles also emerged in Edo and Osaka in the 18th and 19th century, resulting in certain recognizable characteristics for each area. Osaka prints feature more subtle, serious figures, reflecting the wagoto or soft style of acting prevalent in the area, along with distinctive facial expressions. The aragato or brash manner of acting popular in Edo influenced print designs towards bolder images of heroism and military prowess.

Much like the style of the prints, the demand for ukiyo-e in the cities of Osaka and Edo also varied. Osaka produced far fewer ukiyo-e designs than Edo did. As a consequence, Osaka prints are rarer and also some of the highest quality prints made in the 19th century, with many featuring deluxe techniques such as burnishing or embossing. Osaka prints are a rare and wonderful collecting area of Japanese woodblocks.

Comments - Handsome Osaka kabuki print depicting a samurai struggling with several men in the countryside at night. The young warrior stands with his foot atop one man's neck as he draws his sword back at his side. Another attacker grabs him around the waist, wrapping one leg around him. At right, a third attacker goes sprawling onto his back, his legs and arms flailing in the air. An upper body tattoo of clouds and a dragon can be faintly seen on his arms. At right, a commoner holds a lantern aloft, staring at the samurai with furrowed brows as he tucks up the back of his kimono. A handsome design with expressive figure and fine bokashi shading. Kunishige was a student of the Osaka kabuki portraitist Kunihiro.

Artist - Kunihiro (active circa 1815 - 1843) and Kunishige (active circa 1847 - 1855)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 20 7/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Two panels, not attached at the seams. A few wormholes near outer edges, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, very slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Struggle at Night by Kunihiro (active circa 1815 - 1843) and Kunishige (active circa 1847 - 1855)
Struggle at Night by Kunihiro (active circa 1815 - 1843) and Kunishige (active circa 1847 - 1855)

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