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 - Great Osaka kabuki print Arashi Rikan III as the court calligrapher Ono no Tofu in the play "Ono no Tofu aoyagi suzuri." Urged to join a plot to overthrow the emperor, he at first dismisses the suggestion. Walking home, he sees a frog trying to jump up into the branch of a willow tree. It tries again and again, slipping back into the water below, before finally succeeding. Ono realizes that, like the frog, the evildoers plotting against the emperor might eventually succeed if they persist long enough. He then decides to expose the scheme and save the emperor's life. Here, he hunches forward with a worried frown, his brows furrowed, holding a fan. He wears a patterned robe in subtle grays and blue, and a tall court cap with a beautiful burnished pattern. The leaves of the willow tree frame the night sky above. A handsome, expressive figure.

Artist - Kunimasu (active circa 1832 - 1852)

Image Size - 9 1/4" x 6 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Light staining at lower right. Please see photos for details. Good overall.