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.

Water: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Kato Masakiyo, 1851 - Fine Osaka kabuki portrait of Nakamura Utaemon IV as the warrior Kato Masakiyo (the real-life Kato Kiyomasa). He grips his sword upright with one hand, staring to the side with a tight-lipped expression. He wears a brown kamishimo patterned with swirls over a plum colored kimono, his circular crest appearing on the shoulder and sleeve. His hair is bushy with flared sideburns. A handsome design, nicely colored with fine bokashi shading in the background.

Artist - Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)

Image Size - 9 1/4" x 6 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Small loss at bottom left corner, pinhole in each upper corner of image, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, wrinkle near top edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.