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.

Earth - Handsome Osaka kabuki double portrait from a series pairing actors with the five elements. Here, a beauty looks over her shoulder with a worried frown, her lips tightly compressed. She wears a black kimono patterned with delicate grasses and tiny blue circles, with insets of red tie-dyed fabric. A young girl waits at her side, clutching a cloth-wrapped parcel to her chest. Her red robe features large blossoms, with ribbons adorning the sleeves. A full moon glows high in the night sky above. A beautifully detailed design with fine bokashi shading in the background.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 7"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous folio mounting. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.