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 Osaka kabuki portrait in the rare full oban format featuring an actor as a yakko or footman, with a square inset at upper right showing a scowling nobleman. The footman frowns unhappily, holding his collar with one hand and his sword with the other. He wears a black kimono with a green striped collar over a red under robe, tied with a fuzzy green obi. The inset above is framed by the three concentric rice measure crest of the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. Nicely colored.

Artist - Shigeharu (1803 - 1853)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 10"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small loss at lower left corner, repaired. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.