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 - Intriguing kabuki double portrait of an elderly warrior cradling a child to his chest, looking to the side with a distracted frown. He rest on one knee, the baby wrapped in a red geometric print robe tied with a sash shaded from blue to purple. His white beard and hair are nicely embossed. A retainer waits at his side, holding a banner against his shoulder, wearing armor over a green print kimono and striped hakama pants. An intriguing Osaka kabuki design, nicely detailed.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 9 3/8" x 7"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants on reverse at corners from previous hinge mounting. Vertical fold near left edge with slight thinning along fold. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing, rubbing at top left corner. Please see photos for details. Good overall.