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 portrait of Bando Hikosaburo V as Kanaya Kingoro standing next to a bench, looking ahead intently, his lips tightly pressed together. He wears an intricately patterned gray coat over a gray kimono tucked up at the back, and black leggings. A building frames the edge of the scene at right, with a large entrance gate opening onto the street, with pine trees set against the sky and a blossoming cherry tree at left. A nice Osaka kabuki design.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 7" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Horizontal folds. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight creasing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.