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 - Attractive Osaka kabuki design featuring a couple in private quarters, each wearing similarly patterned kimono. The beauty at right looks worriedly at her lover, who kneels beside a lamp, regarding her with a slight frown. The woman's robes are loosely wrapped about her, with no obi, and her hair is slightly disheveled with a comb slipping loose. Folding screens provides privacy for the bed behind them, and the sliding panels at left are decorated with a peacock and blossoms. Lovely, expressive figures, detailed with burnishing in the black chest at left and the black trim on the bedding, and metallic accents.

Artist - Sadahiro (active circa 1825 - 1875)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 13 7/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels, backed with paper. Very slight soiling, paper slightly curled. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.