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 - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Kagamiyama Sugata no Utsushi-e," performed at the Naka Theater in Osaka. Here, the senior lady-in-waiting, Iwafuji practices martial arts with the maid Ohatsu. Iwafuji had challenged her junior, Onoe, to a fight to display her martial arts skills, the test of a true samurai woman. Iwafuji secretly hoped to embarrass Onoe, who came from a family of commoners. Instead, Onoe's loyal maid Ohatsu came to her mistress's defense, fighting in her place and besting the evil Iwafuji. At left, Ohatsu rests on one knee, glaring back at Iwafuji as she turns to face her with her wooden practice sword in hand. Iwafuji grips her own weapon upright, ready to strike her opponent. A large room extends behind them, with sliding panels at left patterned with yamabuki or yellow mountain roses. From left, the actors are Kataoka Gado II and Mimasu Daigoro IV. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Hirosada

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 14 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels, backed with paper. Wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, paper slightly curled. Please see photos for details.