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 - Interesting Osaka kabuki scene featuring the two warriors Mashiba Hisayoshi and Takechi Mitsuhide (the kabuki counterparts for Hashiba Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide). Both samurai served the great leader Oda Nobunaga, but Mitsuhide betrayed him and murdered Nobunaga, and Hideyoshi killed Mitsuhide in revenge. Here, one warrior waves his hat above his head, wearing a green kimono patterned with swirls over his suit of armor, and striped arm protectors. The samurai behind him, stares to the side with a dismayed expression, his mouth slightly agape. He wears a straw raincoat over his armor, his short hair sticking up atop his head with longer locks pulled into a low ponytail over his back. The actors are Arashi Hinasuke VII as Mashiba Hisayoshi, Jitsukawa Gakujuro II as Takechi Mitsuhide. The matron at right looks up with a suspicious expression. A handsome composition, nicely detailed.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 6 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. One wormhole at bottom edge, repaired. Horizontal crease across center. Please see photos for details. Good overall.