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 double portrait of a couple, the man pausing to look up at his companion as he reads a letter. He stretches out the long message between his hands, the paper trailing on one side. He wears a gray checked kimono over a black undergarment and a white loincloth. The beauty looks back at him fearfully, clutching her sleeves to her chest. The background is softly shaded from blue to white to green. Nicely detailed with embossing in the white loin cloth and the towel around the man's shoulders.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 9 3/8" x 6 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants on reverse at corners from previous hinge mounting. Losses at two corners, repaired. Soiling, slight rubbing at top left, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.