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.

Nakamura Kanjaku II as Takeda Katsuyori, 1859 - Beautiful kabuki portrait of Nakamura Kanjaku II as the samurai Takeda Katsuyori, the son of Takeda Shingen. Supposed to be dead, he has infiltrated a mansion of Shingen's enemy, the Uesugi clan, disguised as a gardener, to recover a magical helmet sacred to the Takeda clan. After being recognized, he is sent on a mission where he will be ambushed and killed. His fiancee, Princess Yaegaki, has also recognized him, and sets out across a frozen lake to warn him and deliver the helmet. Here, looks over his shoulder with a poignant, worried expression, his brows wrinkling and his lips almost trembling, one hand resting atop the hilt of his sword. He wears colorful brocade robes over a red under robe, his hair pulled back into a topknot with bangs on either side of his face and longer locks falling over his shoulders. A lovely expressive image, detailed with burnishing in the topknot. This design is from a rarely seen series by Osaka artist Hironobu, in the unusual full oban format. We've seen this terrific, perceptive portrait offered elsewhere online for up to $1,500. A fine subject for a collector of kamigata-e.

Artist - Hironobu (active circa 1851-1872)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few wormholes and thinning spots, repaired. Creasing and soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.