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 kabuki scene from the drama "Kokusen'ya Gassen," which tells the story of the warrior Watonai traveling to China to help restore the Ming Dynasty. He asked his half-sister, Kinshojo, to plead his case with her husband, General Kanki. Here, Watonai stands atop a stone bridge at left, smoke rising from his flaming torch as he waits for a signal from Kinshojo. She was to release into the river either white pigment signaling success for his plan or red pigment indicating failure. However, instead of red pigment, the red comes from her own blood, unbeknownst to anyone else. She kneels on the verandah at right with a sorrowful expression as she pours the bowl of blood into the river below. A great Osaka kabuki print with handsome color and detail in the figures and exotic setting.

Artist - Hironobu (active circa 1851-1872)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two separate panels. Some light wrinkling at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.