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 - Terrific Osaka kabuki portrait of an actor in the role of the evil magician Nikki Danjo, the villain in many plays based on the disputed succession of the Date Clan in the 16th century. Danjo has just returned to human form after transforming himself into a rat to steal a valuable scroll. He grips the scroll in his hand, scowling as he looks to the side, bleeding from a wound to the forehead received while in rat form when a warrior struck him with a fan. He wears a pale gray kimono with a beautiful embossed geometric pattern in the center, the long pant legs trailing onto the ground around him. Delicate green plants with tiny white flowers frame the figure, and the black night sky provides a dramatic contrast. A great image of this classic character.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 9 7/8" x 7 1/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. One small hole in subject with light soiling in margins. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.